Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman resumed her duties in the North Block on Wednesday, marking her second term as a Cabinet Minister and her third term overall, having served as a Minister of State during the first Modi Government from 2014 to 2019.

One of her primary tasks will be presenting the full Union Budget for the Fiscal Year 2024-25, likely scheduled for the second half of next month. At 65, Sitharaman is India’s first full-time woman Finance Minister, following Indira Gandhi who held additional charge of Finance as Prime Minister for a short period. Sitharaman has already presented six budgets, including an interim one.

In the interim budget for FY25, Sitharaman adhered to convention with a vote-on-account. The upcoming full budget is anticipated to outline the government’s vision for the next five years, including significant policy announcements aimed at addressing unemployment and boosting manufacturing.

A Finance Ministry statement quoted Sitharaman as saying, “The government is fully committed to ensuring ‘Ease of Living’ for its citizens and will continue to take further steps in this direction.” She emphasized that reforms initiated since 2014 will persist, enhancing macroeconomic stability and growth for India. She also noted India’s remarkable growth story amidst global challenges and expressed optimism for the country’s economic outlook in the coming years.

Sitharaman highlighted the strong leadership and development-oriented governance over the past decade, which has driven transformative changes across various sectors and fostered a robust and resilient economy. After assuming charge, she was briefed on ongoing policy issues by the secretaries of different departments within the Finance and Corporate Affairs Ministry.

The Finance Minister urged departments to advance the NDA government’s development agenda with renewed vigor and ensure responsive policymaking to achieve the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). She reiterated the government’s belief in “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” (Together with all, Development for all, Trust of all, Efforts of all) and called for the continued support and cooperation of all stakeholders, including industry leaders, regulators, and citizens, to ensure a strong and vibrant economy.