PM Modi, economists discuss growth, jobs and funds for infra boost ahead of Union Budget 2025-26

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held consultations with eminent economists and sectoral experts to seek their suggestions for the Union Budget 2025-26, which is slated to be presented in the Lok Sabha on February 1, 2025, by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The meeting, part of the government’s annual pre-Budget exercise, was held under the theme “Maintaining India’s growth momentum at a time of global uncertainty.”

Discussions at the meeting revolved around key issues such as navigating challenges posed by global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, enhancing employment opportunities for youth, aligning education and training with job market demands, boosting agricultural productivity, and creating sustainable rural employment, the Prime Minister's Office said in a release.

Strategies to attract private investment, mobilise public funds for infrastructure projects, promote financial inclusion, and enhance exports and foreign investments were also discussed.

The meeting saw the participation of renowned economists and thought leaders, including Surjit S Bhalla, Ashok Gulati, Sudipto Mundle, Dharmakirti Joshi, and Madan Sabnavis, among others.

Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, Niti Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam, and Chief Economic Advisor Anantha Nageswaran were also present at the consultation.

These pre-Budget consultations typically involve stakeholders from various fields, including agriculture, industry, and social sectors.

The markets will remain open on February 1, which falls on Saturday, to provide investors an opportunity to immediately react to budget announcements that are expected to have sector-wide and company-specific implications. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) confirmed in separate announcements that markets will remain open for trading on the day.

“On account of the presentation of the Union Budget, Exchange shall be conducting live trading session on Saturday, February 01, 2025, as per the standard market timings,” the NSE said in a release.

Such Saturday trading sessions have been held in the past, including on February 1, 2020, and February 28, 2015, when the Budget was presented.