Who is part of Sitharaman’s ‘war room’ for Budget 2026?
As the nation awaits the unveiling of Budget 2026, the anticipation is palpable. The Union Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is a crucial document that outlines the government’s fiscal policies and allocations for the upcoming financial year. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of officials has been working tirelessly to draft the budget, and this team is often referred to as the ‘war room’. In this article, we will delve into the composition of Sitharaman’s ‘war room’ and explore the key officials who have played a crucial role in shaping Budget 2026.
At the helm of the ‘war room’ is Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur, who has been instrumental in drafting the budget. Thakur, a seasoned bureaucrat, has extensive experience in economic policy-making and has been closely involved in the formulation of the budget. Alongside Thakur, Revenue Secretary Arvind Srivastava has also been a key member of the team. Srivastava’s expertise in revenue collection and taxation has been invaluable in shaping the budget’s revenue projections and tax policies.
Another important member of the ‘war room’ is Expenditure Secretary V Vualnam, who has been responsible for overseeing the allocation of funds to various government departments and ministries. Vualnam’s role has been critical in ensuring that the budget allocations are aligned with the government’s priorities and policy objectives. Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju has also been part of the team, bringing his expertise in banking and financial regulation to the table.
In addition to these officials, DIPAM Secretary Arunish Chawla has played a significant role in the ‘war room’. Chawla’s experience in disinvestment and public asset management has been crucial in shaping the budget’s disinvestment targets and strategies. Public Enterprises Secretary Moses Chalai has also been a key member of the team, providing valuable insights on public sector enterprises and their role in the economy.
Last but not least, Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran has been a vital part of the ‘war room’. As the CEA, Nageswaran has provided critical economic analysis and advice to the Finance Minister, helping to shape the budget’s economic framework and policy initiatives.
The ‘war room’ has been working closely with the Finance Minister to ensure that the budget is aligned with the government’s overall economic vision and policy objectives. The team has been engaged in extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including industry leaders, economists, and other experts, to gather inputs and feedback on the budget.
As the budget presentation approaches, the ‘war room’ is putting the final touches on the document. The team is working around the clock to ensure that the budget is comprehensive, well-researched, and aligned with the government’s priorities. The nation is eagerly awaiting the unveiling of Budget 2026, and the ‘war room’ is confident that the document will provide a clear roadmap for the country’s economic growth and development.
In conclusion, the ‘war room’ behind Budget 2026 is a team of dedicated and experienced officials who have worked tirelessly to draft the budget. The team, led by Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur, has brought together a wealth of expertise and experience in economic policy-making, revenue collection, taxation, and financial regulation. As the nation looks forward to the budget presentation, it is clear that the ‘war room’ has played a critical role in shaping the document.
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