Budget 2024: Top Indian Finance Ministers with Most Budget Presentations

by priyanka roshan | july 23, 2024

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman makes history in 2024 by presenting her seventh consecutive Union Budget on July 23 in Parliament, surpassing Morarji Desai's record. 

(Image: PTI)

This milestone underscores her significant role in shaping India's economic policies and her enduring presence in the nation's financial governance. Here are the top 5 Finance Ministers who have presented the most Indian Budgets:

(Image: PTI)

Morarji Desai - 10 Budgets

Morarji Desai holds the record for presenting the most Indian Budgets. He served as the Finance Minister from 1959 to 1963 and again from 1967 to 1969.

(Image: AFP)

His tenure is notable for several significant economic policies and reforms, including efforts to stabilize the Indian economy and promote fiscal discipline.

(Image: PM India)

P. Chidambaram - 9 Budgets

P. Chidambaram presented nine budgets throughout his career, serving in 1996-1998, 2004-2008, and 2013-2014.

(Image: Reuters)

His budgets are known for bold reforms and economic liberalization, which helped position India as a growing economic power.

(Image: Reuters)

Pranab Mukherjee - 8 Budgets

He presented eight budgets as Finance Minister. His tenures were from 1982 to 1984 and from 2009 to 2012. 

(Image: Reuters)

Mukherjee’s budgets focused on inclusive growth and fiscal consolidation, addressing various sectors of the economy to ensure balanced development.

(Image: Reuters)

Yashwant Sinha - 7 Budgets

He presented seven budgets during his tenure as Finance Minister from 1998 to 2002. 

(Image: AFP)

His budgets included key reforms like the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, which promoted fiscal discipline and economic stability.

(Image: Reuters)

C. D. Deshmukh - 7 Budgets

C. D. Deshmukh, India’s first Indian RBI Governor, presented seven budgets from 1951 to 1956, crucial for shaping post-independence economic policies and supporting development.

(Image: Wikipedia)