Budget 2024: Coverage

The Finance Minister is set to deliver the sixth consecutive budget presentation.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to unveil the Interim Budget 2024 today, February 1. This signifies the final budget of the second term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, as the Lok Sabha elections for 2024 are slated for April–May.

Date and time:

Scheduled for February 1 at 11 a.m., the Finance Minister will unveil the interim budget, paving the way for a temporary financial plan until the new government assumes office. This marks the Finance Minister’s sixth budget presentation, encompassing five annual budgets and one interim budget.

Where to read the Budget 2024 document

To read the interim Budget 2024 document in “paperless form,” individuals can utilize the Union Budget Mobile App. This bilingual app, accessible in both English and Hindi, is downloadable on Android and iOS devices or can be obtained from the Union Budget Web Portal at www.indiabudget.gov.in.

Leading up to the presentation of the Interim Union Budget, the Finance Ministry, in a report, estimated India’s real GDP growth to approach 7% in 2024–25, with significant potential to exceed 7% by 2030. The report also anticipates the Indian economy reaching $5 trillion within the next three years, securing its position as the world’s third-largest.

According to the Finance Ministry’s 10-year economic review, India’s 7% growth amid a global growth rate of 2% is deemed “qualitatively superior” to the 8%–9% achieved when the global economy grows by 4%.

In the 2023 budget, a significant announcement involved raising the income tax rebate limit to ₹7 lakh. Additionally, the railways received its highest-ever capital outlay of ₹2.40 lakh crore.

Follow the live updates here:

Key Updates

• Improving taxpayer services
• Tax proposals
• Budget Estimates for 2024–25
• Revised Estimates of 2023-24
• Strategy for Amrit Kaal

February 1, 2024, 12:02

Lok Sabha adjourned till February 2, 11 a.m.

February 1, 2024, 12:02

Union Finance Minister presents the Finance Bill 2024 in the Lok Sabha

February 1, 2024 – 12:01

Economy, then and now

Reflecting on the significant responsibility to revive the economy since 2014, Ms. Sitharaman expresses the successful outcome achieved through a strong commitment to the principle of Nation First. The Finance Minister concludes her speech by highlighting the transformation from the crisis of those years to placing the economy on a trajectory of sustained high growth. Drawing comparisons between the pre-Modi government era and the present, she announces the government’s intention to present a white paper on the historical economic landscape. Ms. Sitharaman asserts commitment to realizing the goal of Viksit Bharat in the upcoming years through good intentions, genuine dedication, and hard work. With this, she commends the interim budget to the House.

February 1, 2024, 11:57

Improving taxpayer services

• Addressing concerns over numerous petty or disputed direct tax demands, some dating back to 1962, causing anxiety to taxpayers, Ms. Sitharaman announces her proposal. She suggests the withdrawal of outstanding direct tax demands up to Rs. 25,000 for the years 2009–10 and Rs. 10,000 for the period from 2010 to 2015. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1 crore taxpayers.

February 1, 2024 – 11:55

Tax proposals

• Ms. Sitharaman announces that, in adherence to tradition, there will be no alterations to taxation, and the existing tax rates for both direct and indirect taxes, including import duties, will be maintained. Nevertheless, specific tax exemptions for startups and International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) units are set to expire on March 31, 2023. To ensure tax continuity, the Finance Minister proposes an extension of these exemptions until March 31, 2025.

February 1, 2024, 11:52

GST has reduced the compliance burden on trade and industry: Sitharaman

• Ms. Sitharaman emphasizes that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has significantly alleviated the compliance burden on trade and industry by streamlining the tax system. A recent survey reveals that 94% of industry leaders perceive the transition to GST as overwhelmingly positive.

February 1, 2024, 11:51

Tax provisions

• Listing the previous changes in tax provisions, Ms. Sitharaman expresses gratitude to taxpayers for their continued support. Under the new tax scheme, individuals earning up to Rs. 7 lakh annually have no liability.
• The presumptive taxation threshold for retail businesses was raised from Rs. 2 crore to Rs. 3 crore. Corporate tax rates were reduced from 30% to 22% for existing companies and to 15% for specific new manufacturing industries. The process of filing tax returns has become simpler, with the average processing time reduced from 93 days in 2013–14 to just 10 days, ensuring faster refunds.

February 1, 2024, 11:49

Part B of the Interim Budget begins

February 1, 2024, 11:49

Budget Estimates for 2024–25

• The total receipts, excluding borrowings, and total expenditure are estimated at Rs. 30.80 and Rs. 47 lakh crore, respectively. The provision of interest-free loans will continue in the next fiscal year with an outlay of Rs. 1.3 lakh crore. The Fiscal Deficit for 2024-25 is projected to be 5.1% of GDP, aligning with the commitment to reduce the deficit to 4.5% of GDP by 2025-26.

February 1, 2024 – 11:49

Revised Estimates of 2023-24

• With total expenditure at Rs. 44.90 lakh crore, revenue receipts are expected to surpass the Budget Estimate at Rs. 30.03 lakh crore, reflecting robust growth momentum and the formalization of the economy.

February 1, 2024 – 11:48

Amrit Kaal as Kartavya Kaal

• Ms. Sitharaman affirms the government’s commitment to creating an economy with high growth, fostering an environment for people to achieve their aspirations. She states, “Every challenge of the pre-2014 era was overcome through our economic management and governance. This has placed the country on a sustained path of high growth. In the full Budget in July, our Govt. will present a detailed roadmap for our pursuit of Viksit Bharat.”

February 1, 2024 – 11:48

Societal Changes

• To address challenges stemming from rapid population growth and demographic shifts, the government will establish a high-powered committee.

February 1, 2024 – 11:47

Reform in States for Viksit Bharat

• A 50-year interest-free loan of Rs. 75,000 cr. is being proposed to encourage milestone-linked reforms by states, fostering progress towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.

February 1, 2024 – 11:45 FDI –

First Develop India

• Highlighting a golden era, Ms. Sitharaman notes that the FDI inflow from 2014-23 reached 596 billion USD. Emphasizing a proactive approach, the government is engaging in negotiations for bilateral treaties under the guiding principle of ‘First, Develop India’.

February 1, 2024 – 11:43

Domestic Tourism

• The success of G20 events held in 60 cities has contributed significantly. With the middle class aspiring to travel more, tourism, including spiritual tourism, is experiencing a surge.
• Ms. Sitharaman emphasizes the encouragement of states to develop tourism centers and promote them globally. To facilitate this, long-term interest-free loans will be extended to states on a matching basis for the development of such tourism centers.

February 1, 2024 – 11:42

E-Vehicle Ecosystem and Bio-Manufacturing

• The government will enhance and reinforce the e-vehicle sector by fostering increased manufacturing and expanding charging infrastructure, announces Ms. Sitharaman. Furthermore, a new scheme for bio-manufacturing will be introduced, promoting the production of biodegradable bio-plastics and bio-agri inputs. This initiative aims to shift the current manufacturing consumption paradigm towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable approach.

February 1, 2024 – 11:41

Green Energy

• To tap into the potential of shore wind energy, viability gap funding will be provided. By 2030, the government plans to establish a coal gasification and liquefaction capacity of 100 metric tons. Additionally, there will be a phased mandatory blending of compressed biogas in compressed natural gas for transportation and piped natural gas for domestic purposes.

February 1, 2024 – 11:39

Railways The government will initiate three major railway corridor programs, focusing on:

1. Energy, Mineral, and Cement Corridor
2. Port-Connectivity Corridor
3. High-Traffic Density Corridor

These initiatives aim to enhance logistics efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety for passenger trains, according to Ms. Sitharaman. Additionally, 40,000 standard rail bogeys will be converted to Vande Bharat standards.

February 1, 2024 – 11:32

Union Finance Minister Outlines Strategy for Amrit Kaal

Continuing to delineate the government’s strategy for Amrit Kaal, the Finance Minister addresses several key areas:

1. Dairy: A comprehensive program supporting dairy farmers is in the works, with efforts to combat Foot and Mouth Disease. Despite being the world’s largest dairy producer, India faces low milk productivity.
2. Matsya Sampada: Recognizing the importance of assisting fishermen, the government, since 2013-14, has doubled seafood exports. The PM Matsya Sampada Yojana’s implementation will be intensified.
3. Lakhpati Didi: With 83 lakh self-help groups (SHGs) involving 9 crore women transforming the rural socio-economic landscape, the target for recognizing and honoring such empowered women will be raised from 2 crore to 3 crore.
4. Technological Changes: A corpus of Rs. 1 lakh crore, providing 50-year interest-free loans, aims to encourage private sector participation in Research and Innovation, fostering growth in emerging domains.

February 1, 2024 – 11:26 Strategy for Amrit Kaal

• The Finance Minister outlines the government’s commitment to economic policies fostering sustainable growth, improved productivity, and opportunities for all. Guided by the principles of Reform, Perform, and Transform, the government will embark on next-generation reforms.
• Aligning with Panchamrut goals, the focus will be on sustaining efficient growth, building a robust financial sector, developing the Eastern region, and achieving housing targets. Rooftop solarization, healthcare initiatives, and efforts in agriculture and food processing are integral components of the strategy.

February 1, 2024 – 11:24 Vision for Viksit Bharat: Sitharaman

• Presenting a vision for “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), the Finance Minister envisions a prosperous India in harmony with nature, boasting modern infrastructure, and providing opportunities for all citizens. The next five years are anticipated to be unprecedented in development, leading towards the realization of the dream of a developed India by 2047. The trinity of Democracy, Demography, and Diversity holds the potential to fulfill the aspirations of every Indian.
• Constitution allows the Lower House to grant funds in advance for the estimated expenditure for part of any financial year through a vote on account. This vote on account, a simple procedure, outlines the Centre’s fund requirements for salaries, ongoing projects, and other expenses during the transitional period. It is passed by the Lok Sabha without debate and cannot make changes to tax rates. This authorization is valid for two months, extendable up to four months.

February 1, 2024 – 11:18 “The economy is thriving,” asserts Nirmala Sitharaman

• Highlighting positive indicators, the Finance Minister notes a 50% increase in average real income, coupled with moderate inflation. People are experiencing empowerment, enabling them to pursue their aspirations, according to Ms. Sitharaman.

February 1, 2024 – 11:17 Exemplary Governance Track Record

• The government is committed to a more comprehensive GDP approach encompassing Governance, Development, and Performance. Nirmala Sitharaman emphasizes the provision of transparent, accountable, and prompt trust-based administration. The discernible impact of these efforts is evident across all sectors

February 1, 2024 – 11:14 Empowering the Youth

• The National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 is initiating transformative reforms. The Skill India Mission has successfully trained 1.4 crore youth, upskilled and reskilled 54 lakh individuals, and established 3,000 new Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
• The past decade has witnessed the establishment of a substantial number of higher learning institutions, including 319 universities. Initiatives such as the fund of funds, Startup India, and the Startup Credit Guarantee Scheme are contributing to empowering the youth, turning them into Rozgaar Daata.

February 1, 2024 – 11:12 Union Finance Minister Presents a Decade’s Report Card

• As she commences her interim budget speech, the Union Finance Minister provides a comprehensive report card for the last 10 years. Detailing numerous schemes aimed at marginalized groups, Nirmala Sitharaman recalls the milestones of the Modi Government. She highlights the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, offering end-to-end support to artisans, and underscores the government’s commitment to inclusivity through initiatives empowering Divyang and transgender persons, emphasizing the principle of leaving no one behind.

February 1, 2024 – 11:12 Union Finance Minister Presents a Decade’s Report Card

• Commencing her interim budget speech, the Union Finance Minister provides a comprehensive report card for the last 10 years, highlighting various schemes targeting marginalized groups.
• She recalls the milestones of the Modi Government, citing the PM Vishwakarma Yojana’s end-to-end support for artisans and initiatives empowering Divyang and transgender persons as evidence of the government’s commitment to inclusivity.

February 1, 2024 – 11:11 Garib Kalyan, Desh ka Kalyan

• Emphasizing a shift from the previous entitlement-focused strategy, the Finance Minister affirms the government’s belief in empowering the poor. Over the past decade, the government’s “Sabka Saath” approach has aided 25 crore people in overcoming multi-dimensional poverty. The Direct Benefit Transfer of Rs. 34 lakh crore through PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts has resulted in government savings of Rs. 2.7 lakh crore, enabling more funds for Garib Kalyan. Under the PM Swanidhi Yojana, 2.3 lakh out of 78 lakh street vendors have received credit for the third time.

February 1, 2024 – 11:10 Garib Kalyan, Desh ka Kalyan

• The previous strategy for addressing poverty yielded modest outcomes. With the inclusive approach of “Sabka Saath,” the government has facilitated freedom from multi-dimensional poverty for 25 crore people.

February 1, 2024 – 11:08 “We prioritize outcomes over outlays,” emphasizes Sitharaman

• In our pursuit of achieving developed status by 2047, our focus is on empowering people. The government considers social justice an effective and essential governance model. The saturation approach, ensuring coverage for all eligible individuals, embodies a comprehensive approach to social justice. This approach guarantees transparency and assurance that benefits are delivered to everyone, irrespective of their social status, reflecting a truly secular approach. Our emphasis on outcomes, rather than outlays, is geared towards achieving socio-economic transformation.

February 1, 2024 – 11:07 Inclusive Development and Growth

• Over the past decade, development programs have targeted each individual through initiatives such as free ration distribution, universal bank account access, and provision of drinking water for all, accomplished in record time. These efforts have contributed to a tangible increase in real income in rural areas, notes the Finance Minister.

February 1, 2024 – 11:05 Anticipating a Resounding Mandate: Sitharaman

• The Finance Minister underscores the themes of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas,” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” She expresses optimism, stating, “We anticipate that our government, recognized for its remarkable work, will receive a resounding mandate.”

February 1, 2024 – 11:03

• Over the past decade, our government has successfully navigated numerous challenges, leading to a significant positive transformation in the Indian economy. As we assumed office, the nation confronted formidable difficulties, all of which we have effectively surmounted. The economy has experienced renewed vigor, ensuring that the benefits of development have reached the people on a substantial scale.

February 1, 2024 – 11:01

• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla initiates the proceedings of the Interim Budget session for 2024 and invites the Union Finance Minister to present the Budget.

February 1, 2024 – 11:00

• The initiation of the presentation of the Interim Budget 2024 has commenced in the Lok Sabha.

February 1, 2024 – 10:55

• The Interim Budget for 2024 has been approved by the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Subsequently, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will proceed to present her sixth budget in the Lok Sabha.

February 1, 2024 – 10:52

• Railway Stocks Trade Higher Ahead of Budget
• Shares of companies associated with railways showed positive movement on Thursday morning in anticipation of the interim Budget presentation.
• On the BSE, IRCON International witnessed a rally of 3.26%, Texmaco Rail & Engineering surged by 2.71%, Indian Railway Finance Corporation climbed by 2.58%, and Rail Vikas Nigam advanced by 1.52%.
• Jupiter Wagons saw an increase of 1.46%, while Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) rose by 0.88%, and Titagarh Rail Systems recorded a gain of 0.71%.

February 1, 2024 – 10:45 Interim Budget 2024: Key Figures to Monitor

Here are the critical figures to watch for in the pre-election Budget for 2024-25:

• Fiscal Deficit: The budgeted fiscal deficit for the current fiscal year ending March 2024 is 5.9%, compared to 6.4% in the previous fiscal. The focus for 2024-25 is crucial as expectations are high that the government might increase spending in an election year.
• Disinvestment/Privatisation: The budgeted disinvestment target for the current fiscal year is expected to be missed, similar to the past five years. It is anticipated that the government will set a realistic target of less than Rs 50,000 crore for the next fiscal.
• Capital Expenditure: The government’s planned capital expenditure for this fiscal year is budgeted at Rs 10 lakh crore, higher than the Rs 7.3 lakh crore in the last fiscal. The government has been emphasizing infrastructure development and incentivizing states to boost capital expenditure.
• Tax Revenue: The Budget had estimated direct and indirect tax collections at Rs 18.23 lakh crore and Rs 15.29 lakh crore, respectively, for the current fiscal, totaling Rs 33.61 lakh crore in gross tax collection. Buoyant collections in GST, income tax, and corporate tax are expected to surpass the budget estimates.

February 1, 2024, 10:35

• The Finance Minister of the Union held a meeting with President Murmu prior to today’s presentation of the Interim Budget.

February 1, 2024, 10:30

• As of 2019, Finance Minister Sitharaman departed from the traditional Budget briefcase, opting instead for a ‘bahi-khata’ adorned with the national emblem to carry the speech and accompanying documents. In 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Sitharaman introduced the first paperless Budget.
• Prior to 1999, Budget presentations occurred at 3 p.m. on the last working day of February. Jaswant Singh altered this Colonial-era practice by moving the presentation time to 11 a.m. In 2017, the Modi government shifted the Budget presentation to February 1, streamlining the annual budget exercise before the commencement of the new financial year. It was also in the same year that the Railway Budget became integrated into the Union Budget.
• The practice of tabling Budget documents in both Hindi and English commenced in the fiscal year 1955-56.

February 1, 2024, 10:14

• Ahead of today’s presentation of the interim budget, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has arrived at the Parliament. The Union Cabinet is scheduled to convene for a meeting before the session commences to approve the interim budget document.
• While Interim Budgets traditionally avoid introducing new schemes, some past Finance Ministers have utilized the occasion to announce various measures.
• For instance, in the Interim Budget of 2019, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced a Rs 75,000 crore outlay for the PM KISAN Samman Nidhi scheme, providing farmers with an annual cash payment of Rs 6,000. Additionally, he increased the standard deduction to Rs 50,000 and introduced a tax rebate to ensure individuals with an annual income of up to Rs 7 lakh are not taxed.
• In the pre-election Budget of 2014, former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, under the Congress-led UPA government, reduced excise duty on cars, SUVs, two-wheelers, capital goods, and consumer durables to stimulate manufacturing.
• During the Interim Budget of 2009, Pranab Mukherjee increased the outlay for rural sector schemes to protect the economy from the impact of the global financial crisis triggered by the collapse of the US-based investment bank Lehman Brothers in 2008.
• Jaswant Singh, during the pre-election Interim Budget of 2004 under the BJP-led NDA government, announced incentives for central government employees.

February 1, 2024, 10:07

• Ahead of today’s presentation of the interim budget, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has arrived at the Parliament. The Union Cabinet is scheduled to convene for a meeting before the session commences to approve the interim budget document.

February 1, 2024, 10:04

• Over the past five years, the BSE Sensex has yielded positive returns to investors on four occasions during Budget days, experiencing its most significant rally with a 5% gain in the closing trade of 2021.
• Except for February 1, 2020, when the 30-share BSE benchmark concluded 987.96 points or 2.42% lower, the bellwether index finished in positive territory on Budget days in 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2019.

February 1, 2024, 09:58

• On Thursday, benchmark equity indices displayed a positive opening but subsequently encountered significant volatility as the interim Budget presentation approached.
• The 30-share BSE Sensex initially rose by 248.4 points to reach 72,000.51 in early trade, while the Nifty recorded an increase of 62.65 points, reaching 21,788.35.

February 1, 2024, 09:40

• Before the unveiling of the Union Interim Budget today, K.V. Subramanian, Executive Director of the IMF and former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, stated that India is currently in a favorable economic position. He emphasized the need to persist with ongoing efforts and highlighted the importance of enhancing the reforms implemented in the manufacturing sector.

February 1, 2024, 09:29

• Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at the Finance Ministry ahead of Budget 2024
• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived at the Ministry of Finance on Thursday, preceding the presentation of the interim budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025. She was joined by Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Karad and Pankaj Chaudhary from the Ministry of Finance.

February 1, 2024, 09:17

• Sensex registered positive returns on four out of the last five Budget days
• Over the past five years, the BSE Sensex has yielded positive returns to investors on four occasions during budget days. The benchmark index recorded its most significant rally, closing with a 5% gain in 2021. Except for February 1, 2020, when the BSE benchmark closed 987.96 points, or 2.42% lower, it concluded in positive territory on Budget days in 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2019.

February 1, 2024, 09:16

• Finance Ministers of India since Independence
• A compilation of individuals who have held the finance portfolio since India’s Independence, along with a summary of their initiatives that have shaped the economy.

February 1, 2024, 08:40

• Budget Basics: A glossary of terms used in the Budget. A quick reference guide to some budget-related terms:

• Disinvestment Receipts: Money raised by the government through disinvestment or the sale of its equity stake in owned companies.
• Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act: An act aiming to make the government adhere to a phased plan to reduce fiscal deficits, representing an excess of expenditure over revenue.
• Dividend Distribution Tax: A tax imposed on companies distributing dividends to shareholders, sharing a portion of earnings with them.
• Venture Capital Funds: Funds investing in startups are a financially riskier proposition than established companies.

February 1, 2024, 08:01:

• Duty cut on mobile parts to positively impact smartphone end-pricing
• A five per cent reduction in import duty on mobile components is expected to positively influence the end pricing for consumers, according to homegrown mobile manufacturer Lava International. The Union government recently announced a reduced import duty on various mobile spare parts to expedite exports from the country.

February 1, 2024, 07:24

How is the Interim Budget different from the Annual Budget?

• Ahead of the 2024 general elections, the Modi government is gearing up to present its second interim budget on February 1. Article 116 of the Constitution allows the Lower House to grant funds in advance for the estimated expenditure for part of any financial year through a vote on account. This vote on account, a simple procedure, outlines the Centre’s fund requirements for salaries, ongoing projects, and other expenses during the transitional period. It is passed by the Lok Sabha without debate and cannot make changes to tax rates. This authorization is valid for two months, and extendable up to four months.

February 01, 2024 – 06:43

• Budget Anticipated to Emphasize Infrastructure, Focusing on Significant New Measures for Voter Appeal
• While the Budget offers an opportunity to evaluate the fiscal well-being against a backdrop of robust economic growth, it is expected to outline a clear roadmap for achieving the targets set by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (FRBMA). The projected fiscal deficit of 5.9% of the gross domestic product (GDP) for the current fiscal year is likely to be met, although it remains nearly double the FRBM fiscal deficit target of 3% for the central government. Correspondingly, the debt-GDP ratio at 54% surpasses the target of 40%.

February 01, 2024 – 06:10

• Sitharaman’s 6th Consecutive Budget to Feature Measures for Economy and Key Segments
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the final Budget of the Modi 2.0 government before the general elections. Expected to be a blend of measures for the economy and crucial segments such as farmers and women, Sitharaman’s sixth straight Budget may serve as a political document highlighting the government’s achievements over the past decade and its vision for the future. With recent electoral successes reducing pressure for populist measures, the focus is likely to remain on fiscal prudence while introducing incentives for sectors like agriculture and the engines of the economy to stimulate job creation and consumption.

January 31, 2024 – 18:18

• Union Budget 2024 Live Streaming: When and Where to Watch Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget Speech
• As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present her sixth Budget, a quick guide on where and how to catch the live coverage of the Budget for the financial year 2024-2025.

January 31, 2024 – 17:31

• Current State of the Banking Sector: Pre-Budget Analysis
• The Indian banking sector has experienced a return to relatively good health in recent years. Stringent norms imposed by the regulator RBI have led to a decline in NPAs, and bank balance sheets have shed much of their burden of bad loans.

Nirmala Sitharaman Facts:

• She is poised to create a milestone by delivering the sixth consecutive budget, comprising five annual budgets and one interim budget—a feat previously accomplished solely by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai.
• On February 1, with the interim budget unveiling, Ms. Sitharaman is set to break the records of her predecessors, including Manmohan Singh, Arun Jaitley, P. Chidambaram, and Yashwant Sinha, who each presented five consecutive budgets.