President Murmu Offers 'Dahi-Cheeni' to FM Sitharaman
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Synopsis
In a ceremonial meeting at Rashtrapati Bhawan, President Droupadi Murmu offered dahi-cheeni to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman before her Union Budget presentation. This marks the eighth consecutive budget for Sitharaman. The session aims to focus on economic growth and rural development while ensuring equitable access to financial resources.
Key Takeaways
- Dahi-cheeni offered by President Murmu signifies good luck.
- This is Sitharaman's eighth consecutive Budget.
- Budget presentation scheduled for February 1 at 11 a.m..
- Focus on rural development and financial inclusion.
- Two phases of the Budget Session planned.
New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) In preparation for the Union Budget presentation in Parliament, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had an audience with President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Saturday.
During the meeting, the President offered her 'dahi-cheeni', a traditional gesture by elders in Indian households to wish for good fortune before embarking on significant endeavors.
This marks the eighth consecutive Budget presented by Finance Minister Sitharaman and the 14th straight Budget under the Modi administration.
Earlier that day, FM Sitharaman and her team took part in a ceremonial photo outside the Finance Ministry. She donned an off-white handloom silk saree adorned with fish motifs and a golden border, paying homage to Madhubani Art. The saree was complemented by a red blouse, and she showcased the red 'bahi-khata' tablet featuring the national emblem.
In a notable change in 2019, FM Sitharaman replaced the traditional Budget briefcase with a 'bahi khata', an Indian accounting ledger in red. In 2021, she made headlines by presenting the Budget in a paperless format using a 'Made in India' tablet.
Nirmala Sitharaman, who last year surpassed the record set by former Prime Minister and Finance Minister Morarji Desai, is scheduled to unveil the Union Budget for 2025-26 in Parliament on Saturday.
The Finance Minister is set to deliver the Budget speech in the Lok Sabha starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The Budget Session of Parliament, which began on Friday, will unfold in two phases— the first phase initiated on January 31 and concluding on February 13, followed by the second phase from March 10 to April 4.
This year's Union Budget is anticipated to uphold the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth while ensuring fairness.
The government aims to enhance the quality of life in rural regions, promoting equitable and inclusive development.
According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, financial inclusion remains a pivotal focus, facilitating easier access to credit for rural households and small enterprises via microfinance institutions, self-help groups, and other intermediaries.
