Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Makes History with Record Ninth Consecutive Budget Presentation
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman created history on Sunday as she presented her ninth consecutive budget, setting a new record. The budget is anticipated to introduce measures aimed at sustaining growth, maintaining fiscal discipline, and implementing reforms to shield the economy from global trade tensions, particularly US tariffs.
Record-Breaking Achievement
Nirmala Sitharaman’s remarkable feat brings her close to the record set by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented a total of 10 budgets during his time in office. Desai served as finance minister from 1959 to 1964, presenting six budgets, and later from 1967 to 1969, presenting four budgets.
Notable former finance ministers such as P Chidambaram and Pranab Mukherjee have presented nine and eight budgets, respectively, under different prime ministers.
Unprecedented Streak
Sitharaman holds the distinction of presenting the maximum number of budgets consecutively, with nine straight budgets under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In 2019, Sitharaman made history by becoming India’s first full-time woman finance minister during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second term. She retained her position as finance minister when Modi was re-elected for a third term in 2024.
Since assuming office on May 31, 2019, Sitharaman has navigated the Indian economy through challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical uncertainties, contributing to India’s status as the fastest-growing major economy globally.
As of January 31, 2026, Sitharaman completed six years and eight months in office, gearing up to present her ninth consecutive budget on February 1.
Recognition and Legacy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Sitharaman’s achievement, highlighting that her ninth consecutive budget presentation would be a proud moment in India’s parliamentary history.
Reflecting on past finance ministers, Morarji Desai stands out for having presented the highest number of budgets, totaling 10 throughout his tenure.
Key Budget Facts
- First Budget: The inaugural Union Budget of independent India was delivered on November 26, 1947, by R K Shanmukham Chetty, the nation’s first finance minister.
- Maximum Number of Budgets: Morarji Desai holds the record for presenting 10 budgets, followed by P Chidambaram with nine budgets and Pranab Mukherjee with eight.
- Longest Budget Speech: Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech on February 1, 2020, holds the record for the longest budget presentation, lasting two hours and 40 minutes.
- Shortest Budget Speech: Hirubhai Mulljibhai Patel delivered the shortest interim Budget speech in 1977, comprising just 800 words.
Evolution of Budget Presentation
Over the years, the timing and date of budget presentations have evolved. Traditionally held on the last day of February at 5 pm, the timing was changed to 11 am in 1999. Additionally, the budget presentation date was shifted to February 1 in 2017 to expedite the parliamentary approval process for budget implementation at the start of the fiscal year on April 1.
