Inside Sitharaman’s Budget 2026 war room

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gears up for the closure of her Budget preparations, she is all set to present the key economic document on February 1, Sunday. While she starts to give finishing touches to her record ninth Budget in a row, Sitharaman is being assisted by a team of experienced bureaucrats at the ministry.In the backdrop of 7.4 per cent growth rate and uncertain geopolitical environment, backed by global uncertainties and dynamic order, this is going to be the third full Budget of Modi 3.0 government. 127546976 Check all key developments on Budget 2026 hereHere is the list of officials involved in Union Budget 2026-27: 1. Anuradha Thakur, Economic Affairs Secretary Referred as the primary architect of the Budget, Anuradha Thakur is the head of the department. She is the key official deciding the allocation of resources and the macro-economic framework for fiscal year 2026-27. She heads the Budget Division responsible for preparation of Budget documents.Thakur took over reins of the department on July 1, 2025, making this her first Budget. Interestingly, she is the first woman IAS officer to head this department. Thakur is a 1994 batch IAS officer of Himachal Pradesh cadre.2. Arvind Shrivastava, Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava, along with his team, handles direct taxes -- income tax, corporate tax -- and indirect taxes (GST, customs). He is responsible for the tax proposals (Part B of the Budget Speech). Budget 2026 is going to be his first budget as a Revenue Secretary. His role is critical in revenue mobilisation with expectations of a customs duty and TDS rationalisation.Shrivastava in his earlier stint at the Finance Ministry was acting as a Joint Secretary, Budget division, after which, he moved to the Prime Minister's Office looking after the matter related to the finance ministry among others.Also read: Will Union Budget 2026 send a 'green' signal to data centres? 3. Vumlunmang Vualnam, Expenditure Secretary Often referred as the 'guardian of the purse', Vumlunmang Vualnam oversees the government's spending, subsidy rationalisation, and the implementation of central schemes.His department enforces fiscal discipline to manage the fiscal deficit. His role also includes providing guidance for the next financial year. 4. M Nagaraju, Financial Services Secretary Being the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, Nagaraju is involved in driving financial inclusion schemes and social security schemes of the government. His department oversees the financial health of insurance companies, public sector banks, and pension systems.The department plays a crucual role in driving the government's economic agenda, including credit growth, digital adoption, and social security initiatives. 5. Arunish Chawla, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) Secretary This Department is responsible for the government's disinvestment and privatisation roadmap. Chawla manages the non-tax revenue targets derived from selling stakes in CPSEs.Also read: Budget 2026-27: Key numbers to watch as Nirmala Sitharaman counts on growth 6. K Moses Chalai, Department of Public Enterprises Secretary As head of the Department of Public Enterprises Secretry, Chalai is responsible for capital expenditure plans of select CPSEs. It also works to ensure that budgetary allocations are utilised effectively. This department also monitors asset monetisation and the overall financial health of state-owned firms.Besides these six departments under the finance ministry, the office of Chief Economic Adviser also provides critical inputs in the Union Budget preparations. 7. V Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Adviser Nageswaran's office provides critical inputs for the Union Budget that define the overall macroeconomic context of the document. This includes forecasting economic growth, assessing global risks and analysing sectoral performance (agriculture, industry, services).Besides, office of Chief Economic Adviser also provides advice to the finance minister on key economic reforms, fiscal policy, and financial strategy.As India approaches February 1, companies and households have high hopes from Sitharaman's forthcoming Budget announcements that come at a time of high growth, global volatility and financial risks.(With inputs from PTI)