Source: aajtak
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the national budget for 2024 to Parliament in just two days. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading for a third term, the expectations of the general public are extra high this time around. The anticipation is partly because the BJP did not secure a clear majority this year and has formed a government with the NDA coalition. As the leader of her team, Sitharaman is gearing up to present her seventh budget as the Finance Minister. Her team comprises six key personalities who play a significant role in the crafting of this budget. Let's get to know this remarkable budget team...
Source: aajtak
Nirmala Sitharaman
once again bears the mantle of the Ministry of Finance under Modi's leadership in version 3.0 of the government. She will present the budget in Parliament at 11 AM on February 1st, 2024, following the interim budget from February 1st this year. As the head of the Ministry of Finance, Sitharaman's direction is key in shaping the country's financial blueprint.
Source: aajtak
TV Somnathan
TV Somnathan stands as one of the pivotal members of Sitharaman's team, currently the senior-most Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. A Tamil Nadu cadre IAS officer from the 1987 batch, he is also the Secretary of the Department of Expenditure. Somnathan is considered close to PM Modi and has previously worked in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) from April 2015 to August 2017. An Economics PhD, he has over 80 published papers and articles to his name. Besides his role in the PMO, he has also collaborated with the World Bank.
Source: aajtak
Ajay Seth
Ajay Seth, another esteemed member of the budget team, belongs to the Karnataka cadre from the batch of 1987 and is currently the Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance. Seth is known for his role in issuing India's first sovereign green bond and initiating the creation of the Infrastructure Finance Secretariat. He garnered attention during the last year's G20 Summit held under India's presidency.
Source: aajtak
Tuhin Kant Pandey
Tuhin Kant Pandey is a core part of Sitharaman's squadron. At present, he is the Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). As an Odisha cadre IAS officer from the 1987 batch, Pandey is recognized for his significant contribution to the privatization of Air India and for the colossal role he played in LIC's landmark IPO in India.
Source: aajtak
Sanjay Malhotra
Next in line in Team Sitharaman is Sanjay Malhotra, a 1990 batch Rajasthan cadre officer, currently holding the office of Revenue Secretary. Malhotra, previously the head of the Department of Financial Services, is charged with the crucial task of increasing tax revenue in the interim budget. Additionally, he is integral to the drafting of the Part-B of the Finance Minister's budget speech.
Source: aajtak
V Anantha Nageswaran
is another esteemed member of the team, noted as an author and an educator. He holds the position of Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India. Nageswaran is seen as one of Sitharaman's closest confidants and keeps a sharp eye on the global dynamics that could impact the Indian economy. He played an important role in the recently held G20 meeting under India's leadership.
Source: aajtak
Vivek Joshi
Vivek Joshi is the newest addition to Sitharaman's advisory group. A 1989 batch IAS officer belonging to the Haryana cadre, Joshi joined the Finance Ministry as Secretary in the Department of Financial Services in November 2022. Earning his doctorate in International Economics from the University of Geneva, Joshi has a formidable history, having previously served as India's Registrar General and Census Commissioner.
