The discussions focused on strengthening policies, improving sectoral outcomes, and promoting inclusive growth, with particular emphasis on women’s empowerment and human development initiatives, according to a statement by the Finance Ministry.
Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman chairs the 13th Pre-Budget Consultation with the experts and stakeholders from the #Education, #Health, #HumanDevelopment, and #WomenEmpowerment sectors in connection with the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27, in… pic.twitter.com/zEtX97tWwY
— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) November 26, 2025
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, senior officials from relevant ministries, and Chief Economic Adviser Dr V Anantha Nageswaran.
Last week, Sitharaman held pre-budget consultations with economists, agriculture leaders, and MSME representatives. On November 21, discussions were held with representatives from capital markets and start-ups.
Aman Gupta, Co-Founder of boAt Lifestyle, was invited to participate in the
Pre-Budget Consultation. Gupta described the occasion as a milestone for the start-up ecosystem, saying that it was the ‘first time’ start-ups were formally included in such consultations.
During the meeting, Gupta shared his views on ESOP (Employee Stock Option Plan) taxation reform, saying how simplifying the system could unlock wealth creation for employees and future entrepreneurs. “As a co-founder, I have personally seen how the right support and intent can change the trajectory of a young company,” he said.
The session was attended by the Finance Minister, the Chief Economic Adviser and Economic Advisor Dr Rose Mary K Abraham.
“The next decade will belong to start-ups, and India is already showing the world what is possible when policy and innovation come together,” Gupta added.
Sitharaman, who will present her ninth consecutive Budget likely on February 1, faces a challenging setup, including geopolitical uncertainties and the steep US tariff of 50 per cent on Indian shipments.
The pre-budget meeting with IT leaders comes as the $280 billion sector navigates AI-led disruptions, trade tensions, and tighter H-1B visa rules affecting the mobility of tech professionals.
