Finance Minister Sitharaman Meets 30 Students After Delivering 2026‑27 Budget
Updated (3 articles)
Post‑Budget Student Engagement Initiated on February 1 On Feb 1 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met a group of 30 university students who had watched the Union Budget 2026‑27 live from the Lok Sabha gallery [1]. The meeting took place immediately after the budget presentation, replacing the usual post‑budget media round [1]. Sitharaman said the format was suggested by her team as an “out of the ordinary” idea to directly involve youth [1].
Students Shared Live‑Parliament Experience With Minister The students were invited to describe their sensations of sitting inside Parliament while the budget was delivered [1]. Their feedback was solicited to gauge how young observers perceive legislative proceedings [1]. Sitharaman listened to their accounts before moving to broader policy discussion [1].
Minister Highlighted Historical Growth Constraints During the dialogue, Sitharaman contrasted the India of her childhood with the present, noting that post‑colonial economic and governance structures slowed earlier growth [1]. She implied that reforms are required to accelerate development in the coming decade [1]. This narrative linked the budget’s measures to “difficult times” the country faces [1].
Vision of a Better Future Emphasized for Youth Sitharaman urged the students to inherit a “better India” and to contribute to its progress [1]. She framed the budget as a stepping stone toward that vision [1]. The interaction concluded with the minister encouraging continued youth participation in policy discourse [1].
Timeline
Dec 30, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosts eminent economists, Niti Aayog leaders and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to gather input for the upcoming Union Budget 2026‑27, signalling a broad consultative approach ahead of the February 1 presentation[3].
Jan 28, 2026 – President Droupadi Murmu addresses Parliament as it convenes for the Budget Session, following Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju’s announcement that the session will run until April 2 with a two‑phase structure and a later recess[2].
Feb 1, 2026 – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tables the Union Budget 2026‑27 in the Lok Sabha, describing the current “difficult times” and noting that “the India of my childhood differs from today” while urging youth to inherit a “better India”[1].
Feb 1, 2026 – After the budget, Sitharaman meets 30 university students who watched the live parliamentary debate, inviting them to share their experience and saying “you should inherit a better India,” while also acknowledging that “post‑imperial economic and governance structures slowed our growth”[1].
Feb 13 – Mar 9, 2026 – Parliament enters a recess; standing committees study the budget allocations to prepare reports that will shape the forthcoming debate when the session resumes, as outlined in the budget‑session schedule[2].
Mar 10, 2026 (post‑recess) – Parliamentary committees present their findings and the House resumes substantive debate on the budget proposals, a step described by Rijiju as “vital for meaningful debate and people‑centric governance”[2].
Apr 2, 2026 – The Budget Session concludes, marking the end of the legislative period that began on Jan 28 and included the budget presentation, student engagement, and committee reviews[2].