Tracing Evolution of Union Budget Announcements Under FM Nirmala Sitharaman

By: WE Staff

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has etched her name in history by becoming the FM to present the highest number of Union budgets consecutively. Presented on Feb 1, 2025, this year’s budget announcement was her eight so far, which beat the prior record set by C D Deshmukh.

Since 2019, FM Sitharaman has been leveraging her strategic vision and financial expertise to steer India toward a promising and prosperous future while upholding its financial integrity.

Under FM Sitharaman, the budget has switched to a traditional Indian bahi-khata and also gone paperless.

As an integral part of her presentation, the FM has unswervingly embraced India’s textile heritage through her sartorial choices during budget presentations. Be it this year’s Odisha Silk saree with Madhubani motifs or her bright pink Mangalgiri saree that she wore in 2019, each year the FM makes a fashion statement putting India’s textile heritage on a higher pedestal.

Let’s have a closer look at the evolution of the Union budget announcements and key highlights from each year, under FM Sitharaman’s authority.

Union Budget Highlights 2019

2019 budget announcement was iconic for a unique reason. The FM’s maiden budget presentation saw her ditching the colonial-era briefcase tradition. Instead, she chose the traditional India-ledger, largely symbolising a well thought out move towards indigenous practices. Dressed in a bright pink Mangalgiri saree with a golden border, the FM exuded confidence.

Focused on fiscal discipline, the 2019 budget emphasized on managing the growing fiscal deficit while retaining the 3% GDP target for 2020-2021. The focus was also on preparing a road map for infrastructure, start-ups and MSMES, innovation & research, education & skilling and adaptation of digital payments. A vital part of the budget is the Ayushman Bharat, that aimed to foster a healthier society by ensuring well-nourished women and children while prioritizing citizen safety as a whole.

Union Budget Highlights 2020

The first budget to be presented as the pandemic struck, in 2020, we saw the FM dressed in a yellow-coloured silk saree with green-lined borders.

The year’s budget was structured around the theme ‘Ease of Living’, farmer friendly measures featuring targets for agricultural credit, "Kisan Rail" and "Krishi Udaan" programs strengthen cold supply chains and extended PM-KUSUM scheme to help 20 lakh farmers to install independent solar pumps were at the heart of the 2020 union budget.

Serving as Indian Government’s financial road map, the budged aimed at-seamless digital governance, improve National Infrastructure Pipeline, mitigate risk through Disaster Resilience and generate social security through pension and Insurance penetration. ₹28,600 crore are proposed for programs those specific to women.

Union Budget Highlights 2021

Union Budget of 2021 marks itself as the first ever digital Union Budget was presented through a made in India tablet. The FM chose to adorn a red and off-white Pochampally silk saree with ikat motifs.

The budget laid emphasis on a shift in political, economic, and strategic dynamics in the post-pandemic era. The budget prioritized six key areas -Health and Wellbeing, Innovation and R&D, Reinvigorating Human Capital, Inclusive Development of Aspirational India, Physical and Financial Capital, and Infrastructure, Minimum Government and Maximum Governance.

Union Budget Highlights 2022

With a strong focus on digital innovation and technology, the 2022 budget prioritized infrastructure, healthcare, education and digital service accessibility. The financial plan set a foundation of India’s long-term economic vision, spanning 25 years from its 75th to 100th year. This year, the FM picked a brown and maroon coloured Bomkai saree from Odisha.

The budget significantly boost public investment and allocated a higher provision for capital expenditure. The goal of inclusive development was to uplift farmers, women, young people, OBCs, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, differently abled individuals and economically disadvantaged groups.

Union Budget Highlights 2023

On February 1, 2023, the Union Budget for the financial year, showcased a strategic framework for fostering an inclusive and robust economy. The budget listed seven key priorities, namely- Youth Power, Green Growth, Financial Sector, Inclusive development, Infrastructure and Investment,

The FM opted for a Karnataka special, red silk saree with black Kasuti embroidery. This year’s budget unleashed the potential, and researching the last mile. Women and startup ecosystem were key recipients of supportive policies.

Union Budget Highlights 2024

While delivering the Union Budget 2024-2025 in Parliament, Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assertively stated that India’s inflation was low, stable and on track to meet the 4% GDP growth goal. The FM made these announcements dressed in a delicate blue Tussar silk saree with Kantha embroidery from West Bengal.

The budget places special emphasis on employment generation, skill development, MSMEs, and the middle-class welfare.

Union Budget Highlights 2025

On February 1, 2025, Union Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman presented her 8^thBudget. The FM emphasized the focus areas of this year’s budget which include agriculture, industry, health, and education. This year’s budget also provides relief offering to the common public of the nation, as well as creates opportunities for employment.

The FM adorned an Odisha silk saree with Madhubani motifs this year. The budget prioritized tax exemptions for middle-class employees, women's entrepreneurship, startup-up initiatives, agri-tech welfare and education along with healthcare which is a major concern in today's climate.