Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting nine consecutive Union Budgets, calling it a matter of national pride and a source of inspiration for women across India. Sitharaman, who delivered her ninth budget on February 1, 2026, is now one short of the record held by Morarji Desai.
During a public address on February 15, 2026, PM Modi highlighted Sitharaman’s achievement as a historic milestone in Indian financial history. Since 2019, she has consistently presented the Union Budget, making her the first woman finance minister to achieve this feat.
Sitharaman’s nine consecutive budgets place her alongside former finance ministers P. Chidambaram (nine budgets) and Pranab Mukherjee (eight budgets), though under different prime ministers. She is now one short of surpassing Morarji Desai’s record of ten budgets, presented between 1959 and 1969.
Modi emphasized that Sitharaman’s consistency and leadership in steering India’s economy inspire countless women to pursue careers in governance, finance, and policymaking.
Major Takeaways
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Nirmala Sitharaman presented nine consecutive Union Budgets (2019–2026)
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First woman finance minister to achieve this milestone
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PM Modi calls it a matter of national pride and inspiration for women
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Sitharaman equals P. Chidambaram’s record of nine budgets
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One short of Morarji Desai’s record of ten budgets
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Achievement reflects continuity, resilience, and leadership in Indian economic policy
Conclusion
Sitharaman’s achievement underscores the changing face of Indian leadership, where women are increasingly shaping national policy. As she approaches the record held by Morarji Desai, her journey symbolizes both economic stewardship and empowerment, reinforcing India’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Sources: The Economic Times, PTI, Rediff Moneynews