Union Budget 2025-26: Meet Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s core Budget Team

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Ajay Seth, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs

From the 1987 batch Karnataka cadre IAS officer, Seth oversees the department responsible for compiling the final budget documents and safeguarding macroeconomic stability.

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Credit: DH Photo/BH Shivakumar

Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Finance and Revenue Secretary

IAS officer from the Odisha cadre faces a demanding role as the Finance and Revenue Secretary. Fourth change in a month, Pandey was appointed just days before the budget and will be overseeing a revamp of the income-tax law, which could be introduced in the upcoming budget session.

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Credit: Special Arrangement

V Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Adviser

An IIM-Ahmedabad graduate and doctorate holder from the University of Massachusetts, the Economic Survey prepared by him and his team will play a crucial role in shaping reforms and deregulation efforts aimed at accelerating growth.

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Credit: PTI

Manoj Govil, Secretary, Department of Expenditure

IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, batch of 1991, Govil previously led the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as Secretary before moving to the Department of Expenditure. He is responsible for refining subsidy allocations, restructuring centrally sponsored schemes, and ensuring more effective government expenditure.

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Credit: X/@FinMinIndia

M Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services

A 1993 batch IAS officer from the Tripura cadre, Nagaraju joined the Department of Financial Services (DFS) following his role as Additional Secretary in the Coal Ministry. He is dedicated to facilitating credit availability, strengthening deposit mobilisation, overseeing fintech regulations, broadening insurance reach, and advancing digital infrastructure.

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Credit: X/DFS_India

Arunish Chawla, Secretary, DIPAM and DPE

IAS officer from Bihar, Chawla previously headed the pharmaceuticals department and currently leads both DIPAM and DPE. He is tasked with fast-tracking divestment, advancing asset monetization, overseeing the strategic sale of IDBI Bank, and unlocking the value of non-core assets held by public sector enterprises.

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Credit: X/@FinMinIndia

Union Budget 2025 | Nirmala Sitharaman, who continues to be Finance Minister, will present her record 8th Union Budget this time. While inflation has burnt a hole in the pockets of 'aam janata', reports suggest there might be a tax relief for those making up to Rs 15 lakh per year. Track the latest coverage, live news, in-depth opinions, and analysis only on Deccan Herald. Also follow us on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.