Who is part of Sitharaman’s ‘war room’ for Budget 2026?
As the nation eagerly awaits the unveiling of Union Budget 2026, the Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman, has been working tirelessly to ensure that the budget is comprehensive, inclusive, and aligned with the government’s vision for the country’s economic growth. Behind every successful budget lies a team of dedicated officials who work tirelessly to draft, refine, and finalize the proposals. In this context, the concept of a “war room” has gained significant attention, as it refers to a team of experts who come together to brainstorm, discuss, and finalize the budget.
According to recent reports, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s “war room” for Budget 2026 consists of a team of experienced officials who have been instrumental in drafting the budget. The team includes Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur, Revenue Secretary Arvind Srivastava, Expenditure Secretary V Vualnam, and Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju. Additionally, DIPAM Secretary Arunish Chawla, Public Enterprises Secretary Moses Chalai, and Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran are also part of the team.
The inclusion of these officials in the “war room” is a testament to their expertise and experience in their respective domains. Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur, for instance, has been instrumental in shaping the government’s economic policies, while Revenue Secretary Arvind Srivastava has been working to improve the country’s revenue collection. Expenditure Secretary V Vualnam has been focusing on optimizing government expenditure, and Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju has been working to strengthen the country’s financial systems.
The presence of DIPAM Secretary Arunish Chawla and Public Enterprises Secretary Moses Chalai in the “war room” highlights the importance of disinvestment and public sector enterprises in the budget. The government has been actively pursuing disinvestment of public sector undertakings (PSUs) to raise revenue and promote private sector participation. The inclusion of CEA V Anantha Nageswaran, who has been providing critical inputs on economic policy, is also significant, as his expertise will help shape the budget’s overall economic framework.
The “war room” approach has been instrumental in ensuring that the budget is comprehensive, well-researched, and aligned with the government’s vision. The team has been working closely with various stakeholders, including industry experts, economists, and government officials, to gather inputs and feedback. This collaborative approach has helped identify key areas of focus, such as infrastructure development, job creation, and social welfare schemes.
As the budget is set to be unveiled, there is a sense of anticipation and expectation among various stakeholders. The government has been facing several challenges, including a slowing economy, rising unemployment, and a widening fiscal deficit. The budget is expected to address these challenges and provide a roadmap for the country’s economic growth.
In conclusion, the “war room” team led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has been working tirelessly to draft a comprehensive and inclusive budget. The team’s expertise, experience, and collaborative approach will undoubtedly shape the budget’s overall framework and ensure that it is aligned with the government’s vision for the country’s economic growth.
The inclusion of experienced officials like Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur, Revenue Secretary Arvind Srivastava, Expenditure Secretary V Vualnam, and Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju, among others, is a testament to the government’s commitment to drafting a well-researched and comprehensive budget. As the nation awaits the unveiling of the budget, one thing is certain – the “war room” team has played a critical role in shaping the budget’s overall framework.
News Source: https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/whos-in-nirmala-sitharamans-union-budget-2026-war-room-13973100.html/amp
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