Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday chaired a pre-budget consultation meeting with representatives from States and Union Territories, discussing priorities for the upcoming Union Budget 2026-27. The meeting took place in New Delhi.

The consultations are a customary practice undertaken by the Finance Ministry ahead of the annual budget presentation. These meetings provide a platform for state governments and Union Territories to voice their perspectives, needs, and suggestions for budgetary allocations.

Minister Sitharaman, who also holds the portfolio of Corporate Affairs, led the discussions, hearing from officials representing various regions. The feedback gathered from these consultations plays a crucial role in shaping the government's budgetary decisions, ensuring that the budget reflects the diverse needs and priorities of different states and territories within the country.

The Union Budget 2026-27 will be presented by the Finance Minister in Parliament, outlining the government's financial plan for the fiscal year. The pre-consultation meetings are a key step in this process, enabling the government to incorporate regional perspectives into the national budget.