The budget session of Parliament starts on January 31 and runs until April 4. The Union Budget 2025 under the Narendra Modi 3.0 government will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in February. This time she will create history by presenting her eighth budget in a row. She has presented seven consecutive budgets, including an interim budget in February 2024. She also holds the record for the longest budget speech, delivered on February 1, 2020, which lasted two hours and 40 minutes.
As she prepares for the country's next budget, much of the pre-budget discussion in the media centers on whether the middle class will get relief through an income tax cut. Let's take a closer look at her journey from Jawaharlal Nehru University alumna to Finance Minister of India.
Early life and education:
According to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman was born on August 18, 1959 in the temple town of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. She pursued her education and graduated in Economics from Seethalakshmi Ramaswamy College, Tiruchirapalli. She subsequently obtained her master's degree in economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Indo-European textile trade was central to her draft dissertation.
Nirmala Sitharaman was an economist's assistant at the Agricultural Engineers Association, UK, in London. She subsequently worked as a senior manager (research and analysis) at Price Waterhouse, London. During this time she also briefly collaborated with BBC World Service.
On her return to India, she was deputy director of the Center for Public Policy Studies in Hyderabad. Her interest in education led her to lay the foundation of 'Pranava', a renowned school in Hyderabad. She served as a member of the National Commission for Women from 2003 to 2005 and was instrumental in voicing various issues of women empowerment.
Her entry into politics and role as Minister of Finance
Nirmala Sitharaman joined the Bhartiya Janata Party in 2008 and became a member of the National Executive. She was appointed party spokesperson in March 2010, from then on she became a full-time party worker.
Nirmala Sitharaman was inducted into the Union Cabinet of India on May 26, 2014 in a government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She was appointed Minister of State (independent charge) for Trade and Industry. She also became Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs.
Personal life
Nirmala Sitharaman is married to Dr. Parakala Prabhakar, an alumnus of Jawaharlal Nehru University and the London School of Economics, and they have one daughter.
Nirmala Sitharaman's journey from a middle-class upbringing to one of the most powerful women leaders in Indian politics is a story of perseverance, intellect and dedication.