Is CCPA Proposing February 1 for Union Budget 2026?
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Synopsis
The CCPA has proposed presenting the Union Budget for 2026-27 on February 1, which falls on a Sunday. This could mark a rare presentation on a weekend, as the government aims for timely implementation of budget proposals. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to make history with her ninth consecutive budget presentation.
Key Takeaways
- The CCPA has proposed February 1 for the Union Budget 2026-27.
- This date coincides with a Sunday, marking a rare weekend presentation.
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth consecutive Budget.
- The Budget Session begins on January 28, with the Economic Survey on January 29.
- Since 2017, the Union Budget has been presented at 11 am on February 1.
New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) On Wednesday, the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) put forward a proposal to unveil the Union Budget for 2026–27 on February 1, even though this date coincides with a Sunday.
If this proposal receives approval, it would be an unusual occurrence in recent times for the Budget to be presented on a weekend, as the government aims to adhere to its February 1 schedule to facilitate the prompt execution of budget proposals from the commencement of the financial year, according to media sources.
The Budget Session is set to commence on January 28, featuring the President’s address to a joint assembly of both Houses of Parliament. Reports indicate that the Economic Survey, which assesses the economic landscape, will be introduced in Parliament on January 29.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be delivering her ninth consecutive Union Budget, which will be the 88th Budget since India achieved independence. Since 2017, the Union Budget has consistently been presented at 11 am on February 1, following the government’s decision to advance the date from the previous tradition of February 28.
This adjustment was made during the term of the late former finance minister Arun Jaitley to enable quicker implementation of the budget proposals from the onset of the financial year.
Presenting the Budget on a weekend is not entirely unprecedented; Sitharaman had previously delivered the Union Budget 2025 on a Saturday.
Prior to her, the late Arun Jaitley had presented the Union Budgets of 2015 and 2016 on February 28, which also happened to fall on Saturdays.
With this upcoming Budget, Sitharaman will make history by being the first finance minister to present nine consecutive Union Budgets. This accomplishment brings her close to the record of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who delivered a total of 10 Budgets during two different tenures.
Among other recent finance ministers, P Chidambaram presented nine Budgets, while Pranab Mukherjee managed eight during their respective terms.
Sitharaman was appointed as India’s first full-time woman finance minister in 2019 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to power for a second term.
She has maintained her role as finance minister after the Modi-led government secured a third consecutive term in 2024.
Point of View
The proposal by the CCPA to present the Union Budget on a Sunday is a noteworthy development. It reflects the government's commitment to ensuring timely execution of budgetary measures. While it has historical precedence, the significance of this decision lies in its potential to influence economic planning and management in the upcoming financial year. As always, we will keep a close eye on developments surrounding this proposal.
NationPress
10/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Union Budget?
The Union Budget serves as the government's financial plan for the fiscal year, outlining revenue and expenditure, which significantly impacts the economy.
Why is the Budget being presented on a Sunday?
Presenting the Budget on a Sunday is aimed at adhering to the government's timeline for timely implementation of budget proposals.
Who is the Finance Minister presenting the Budget?
The Finance Minister presenting the Budget is Nirmala Sitharaman, who will be delivering her ninth consecutive Union Budget.
How many Budgets has India had since independence?
Since India's independence, there have been a total of 88 Union Budgets presented.
What historical precedent exists for weekend Budget presentations?
Weekend Budget presentations have occurred before; notably, Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025 on a Saturday.
