India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a pre-budget consultation with State and Union Territory Finance Ministers to gather inputs ahead of the Union Budget. The meeting focused on strengthening Centre–State cooperation and aligning national priorities with state-level needs.

Key discussions included fiscal federalism, infrastructure and capital expenditure, support for MSMEs, social welfare spending, and green growth initiatives. States highlighted the need for better resource allocation, flexibility in fiscal management, and sustained support for development programs.

The consultation underlined the Centre’s commitment to cooperative federalism and inclusive growth. Insights from the meeting are expected to influence policy decisions that impact taxation, infrastructure development, and business growth, especially for SMEs and regional economies.

Such collaborative discussions play a vital role in shaping a balanced and growth-oriented Union Budget for India.