Union Budget 2025: Meet the key experts behind Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s team

Union Budget 2025: Under the Narendra Modi-led NDA 3.0 government, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her eighth consecutive budget in the Lok Sabha on Saturday, February 1. The speech is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM. From farmers and taxpayers to the middle class, all eyes are on FM Sitharaman, as this budget is expected to be a pivotal moment for the country’s economic trajectory.

However, preparing a national budget is not the work of a single person; it is a meticulous and collaborative effort. FM Sitharaman's work is supported by a dedicated team of professionals, each contributing their expertise to shape the nation's economic vision. Here’s a look at the key figures who have been instrumental in preparing the upcoming Budget:

V Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Adviser

A graduate of IIM Ahmedabad, V Anantha Nageswaran serves as India’s Chief Economic Adviser. In this capacity, he is responsible for outlining the macroeconomic framework that guides Budgetary targets. He also oversees the preparation of the Economic Survey, which serves as a precursor to the Budget. Nageswaran’s tenure will conclude at the end of this financial year.

Manoj Govil, Expenditure Secretary

An alumnus of IIT Kanpur, Manoj Govil is the Expenditure Secretary overseeing new scheme approvals, guidelines for expenditure, and resource allocation to states. A senior IAS officer from the 1991 batch, Govil joined the Ministry of Finance in August 2024 after serving in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, bringing a wealth of experience to his current role.

Ajay Seth, Secretary, Economic Affairs

Ajay Seth has led the Department of Economic Affairs since April 2021. He is responsible for compiling the final Budget documents, maintaining macroeconomic stability, and managing the Budget division. Seth is also credited with the establishment of the Infrastructure Finance Secretariat, which plays a vital role in India’s infrastructure development.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Secretary, Finance and Revenue

An IAS officer from Odisha, Tuhin Kanta Pandey assumed the role of Revenue Secretary in January 2025, just ahead of the Budget. With significant expertise in managing public assets, Pandey faces the challenge of enhancing revenue generation and refining the country’s tax system.

Arunish Chawla, Secretary, DIPAM

Arunish Chawla, an officer from the Bihar cadre, heads the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). Chawla’s primary focus is the acceleration of divestment and asset monetization strategies, including the strategic sale of assets like IDBI Bank. His role will be critical in maximizing the value of non-core assets held by public sector enterprises.

M Nagaraju, Secretary, Financial Services

M Nagaraju, a 1993-batch IAS officer from Tripura, heads the Department of Financial Services. His responsibilities include ensuring a smooth credit flow, advancing fintech regulations, and expanding insurance coverage in India. With extensive experience across multiple government sectors, Nagaraju is positioned to deepen and diversify India’s financial services landscape.