...
...
Next Story

Key numbers to watch as finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents Union Budget 2025

The Union Budget 2025, the second full budget of Modi 3.0, will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at 11 am on Saturday, February 1, 2025

Published on: Feb 1, 2025, 11:03:42 IST
Advertisement

The Union Budget 2025, the second full budget of Modi 3.0, will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament at 11 am on Saturday, February 1, 2025, marking her eighth consecutive presentation of a Union Budget.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary and other officials upon her arrival at the Parliament House complex to present the Union Budget 2025-26 in New Delhi, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. Sitharaman on Saturday will present her eighth consecutive Budget, which she will deliver from a digital tablet enclosed in a traditional 'bahi-khata' style pouch. (Shahbaz Khan/PTI)
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary and other officials upon her arrival at the Parliament House complex to present the Union Budget 2025-26 in New Delhi, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. Sitharaman on Saturday will present her eighth consecutive Budget, which she will deliver from a digital tablet enclosed in a traditional 'bahi-khata' style pouch. (Shahbaz Khan/PTI)

All eyes will be on the much-expected income tax relief for the middle class.

Also Read: Who is Dulari Devi? The woman who gifted Nirmala Sitharaman her Budget Day saree

Key numbers to be watched

The following are the key numbers to watch out for in the Union Budget 2025, according to a report by news agency PTI:

  • Fiscal Deficit: The fiscal deficit or the difference between the government expenditure and income for the financial year 2024-25 is estimated to be 4.9% of the GDP and is to be brought down to 4.5% of the GDP in 2-25-26 as per the fiscal consolidation roadmap.
  • Capital Expenditure: The government's planned capital expenditure is budgeted at 11.1 lakh crore. However, slower government spending in the first four months due to the Lok Sabha elections delayed the capex cycle and the final numbers for the current fiscal are expected to be lower than budgeted, according to the report.
  • Debt Roadmap: The finance minister, in her 2024-25 budget speech, had stated that from 2026-27 onwards, the objective of fiscal policy would be to maintain the fiscal deficit in a way that the central government debt declines as a percentage of the GDP.

Also Read: FM Nirmala Sitharaman takes digital tablet in ‘bahi-khata’ to present paperless Union Budget 2025

  • Disinvestment & Asset Monetisation: ‘Miscellaneous Capital Receipts,’ including proceeds from disinvestment and asset monetisation was pegged at 50,000 crore in the previous Budget. The 2025-26 Budget will give a number for next year and a broader asset monetisation roadmap.
  • Apart from all of this, the spotlight will also be on how much the government would allocate for key schemes like the National Rural employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) as well as on important sectors like health and education.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk

Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.

Stay updated with the latest Business News, stock market updates, petrol and diesel prices, gold and silver rates, income tax updates and major developments from India and across the world.
Stay updated with the latest Business News, stock market updates, petrol and diesel prices, gold and silver rates, income tax updates and major developments from India and across the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe