Budget 2025: Nirmala Sitharaman leaves North Block to meet President Murmu with her iconic red tab-Bahi Khata

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has departed from North Block to Rashtrapati Bhavan, carrying her iconic 'bahi-khata'—a tablet elegantly wrapped in red cloth, adorned with a golden national emblem.

Today at 11 am, she will present her remarkable 8th consecutive budget in the Lok Sabha, detailing the government's fiscal strategies, revenue and expenditure plans, taxation reforms, and other key announcements.

Accompanying Sitharaman are Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, Chief Economic Advisor Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, and various officials.



This budget follows the Economic Survey presented in Parliament yesterday, which projects India's economy to grow between 6.3% and 6.8% for the financial year 2025-26.

Also Read: Budget 2025 at a glance: What it is, how to download the pdf, and key features

The Economic Survey underscores the resilience of the country's economic fundamentals, buoyed by a stable external account, fiscal discipline, and robust private consumption.

It emphasizes the government's commitment to fostering long-term industrial growth through investments in research and development (R&D), support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and enhancement of capital goods.

Also Read: Will middle class get some tax relief in Budget today? Deloitte economist says...

In addition, the survey anticipates a decrease in food inflation in the fourth quarter of FY25, driven by seasonal drops in vegetable prices and the Kharif harvest. However, it warns of potential risks from adverse weather and rising international agricultural prices. India's foreign exchange reserves remain robust, currently covering 90% of external debt and providing over ten months of import cover, despite a slight decline from a peak of USD 704.9 billion in September 2024 to USD 634.6 billion as of January 3, 2025.

Furthermore, the survey highlights impressive growth in formal employment, with net subscriptions to the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) more than doubling from 6.1 million in FY19 to 13.1 million in FY24, showcasing the strength of the labor market as India navigates its economic future.

(With inputs from ANI)