Union Budget 2026: Who Are the Key Officials Working Behind the Scenes?

As Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, a core group of senior bureaucrats is finalising policy proposals that will shape Budget 2026. Their work is taking place amid global uncertainty and domestic resilience, with India recording 7.4 per cent economic growth despite geopolitical tensions and trade-related challenges.

Budget 2026, to be presented under the Modi 3.0 government, is expected to focus on fiscal discipline, continued reforms and inclusive growth.

Chief Economic Adviser: V Anantha Nageswaran

V Anantha Nageswaran, the 18th Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the Government of India, plays a central role in setting the economic tone of the Budget. Appointed in January 2022, his term runs until March 2027.

As CEA, he prepares the Economic Survey, which is tabled in Parliament before the Budget. His office provides key inputs such as economic growth forecasts, sector-wise analysis of agriculture, industry and services, and assessments of global economic risks. These inputs form the analytical backbone of Budget proposals.

Economic Affairs Secretary: Anuradha Thakur

Anuradha Thakur, a 1994 batch IAS officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre, heads the Department of Economic Affairs and oversees the preparation of all Budget documents. She is widely seen as the main architect of the Budget.

This will be her first Union Budget since assuming office on July 1, 2025. She is also the first woman IAS officer to lead the department, which handles fiscal policy, capital markets and overall macroeconomic management.

Revenue And Expenditure Management

Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava is responsible for framing tax proposals, covering direct taxes such as income tax and corporate tax, as well as indirect taxes like GST and customs duties. He is also a 1994 batch IAS officer with a background in engineering and finance.

On the spending side, Expenditure Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam oversees government expenditure, subsidy rationalisation and implementation of central schemes. His role is crucial in maintaining fiscal discipline and managing the budget deficit.

Financial Sector And Public Assets

Financial Services Secretary M Nagaraju focuses on financial inclusion, public sector banks, insurance and pension systems. His department works to promote credit growth and maintain financial stability.

DIPAM Secretary Arunish Chawla handles disinvestment and privatisation plans, aiming to meet non-tax revenue targets through stake sales and asset monetisation. Meanwhile, Public Enterprises Secretary K Moses Chalai monitors capital expenditure and financial performance of central public sector enterprises.

Conclusion

While the Union Budget speech takes centre stage, Budget 2026 is the result of months of detailed work by senior bureaucrats across key departments. Their combined efforts will shape policy priorities, spending plans and reform measures for the year ahead, influencing the broader economic direction of the country.

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