Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025 on February 1, marking her eighth budget. Stakeholder consultations concluded after a month-long process involving diverse sectors. Stock markets will remain open despite it being a Saturday, reflecting the budget’s significance for India’s economic trajectory and market sentiment.
Stakeholders from various sectors are hoping for reforms, incentives, and policies to drive economic growth in the upcoming fiscal year.
Budget 2025: Date and Time
While an official confirmation is awaited, Sitharaman is expected to unveil the Union Budget 2025 on February 1, 2025, at 11 am. If confirmed, the announcement will take place on the first Saturday of February, an exception to the usual trading holidays for stock markets.
Stock markets to operate on budget day
In a rare move, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain open for trading on February 1, despite it being a Saturday.
According to a circular from the exchanges, live trading sessions will be conducted to accommodate the budget’s impact on the financial markets. This decision underscores the budget’s importance in shaping market sentiment.
Month-long budget consultations conclude
Ahead of the Budget presentation, Sitharaman concluded a series of consultations with stakeholders on January 6, 2025. These discussions spanned over a month, beginning on December 6, 2024, and involved more than 100 participants across nine diverse groups.
Representatives from agriculture, MSMEs, education, health, trade, infrastructure, energy, and capital markets shared their insights and expectations.
The Finance Ministry stated, “The consultations were aimed at gathering insights and proposals from stakeholders, including farmer associations, trade unions, economists, and industry experts, to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive budget.”
Stay tuned to our live blog as we delve into sector-specific expectations and everything that is Union Budget 2025.
