Finance Minister chairs pre-budget discussion with key sector experts

New Delhi

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday chaired the 11th Pre-Budget Consultation in New Delhi, focusing on infrastructure and energy sectors as part of the preparation for the Union Budget 2026-27. The meeting brought together senior officials and experts to discuss challenges, opportunities, and recommendations ahead of the budget.

The consultation was attended by Secretaries from the Ministries of Power, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Road Transport and Highways. The Chairman of the Railway Board and the Chief Economic Adviser also participated, alongside Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary and senior officials from the Department of Economic Affairs.

This 11th round follows ten previous rounds of consultations held over recent days, covering sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, capital markets, manufacturing, services, technology, tourism, and hospitality. Each session aimed to gather insights from experts and representatives to guide policy-making for the upcoming fiscal year.

Experts discussed a wide range of topics, including economic growth, job creation, investment climate, technological progress, industrial competitiveness, financial sector stability, labour welfare, and sustainable development. The sessions allowed stakeholders to present sector-specific recommendations and highlight challenges that need government attention.

The Ministry of Finance said such consultations are a regular practice to ensure inclusive and collaborative policy-making. Sitharaman’s engagement with diverse stakeholders reflects the government’s focus on developing a budget that addresses both economic priorities and societal needs.

The series of meetings underscores the Finance Ministry’s commitment to building a participatory approach for budget planning, ensuring that feedback from key sectors is incorporated into policy decisions.