Finance ministers who presented the most budgets

Jul 22, 2024

By: Ayush Mehrotra

Credit: BCCL

Morarji Desai

The champion of budgets, Morarji Desai presented 10 budgets under Nehru and Shastri. Renowned for fiscal discipline, he shaped India's economic policies.

Credit: BCCL

P. Chidambaram

P. Chidambaram, with 9 budgets, navigated India through economic reforms and global challenges. His tenure was marked by significant changes in taxation and economic policy.

Credit: BCCL

Pranab Mukherjee

Pranab Mukherjee delivered 8 budgets, balancing growth with fiscal responsibility. His tenure was notable for the introduction of key economic reforms and efforts to stabilise the economy.

Credit: BCCL

C. D. Deshmukh

C. D. Deshmukh presented 7 budgets, was the first Indian RBI Governor and introduced Hindi to budget papers. His leadership shaped post-independence India's financial foundation.

Credit: BCCL

Nirmala Sitharaman

Nirmala Sitharaman is India's first full-time female Finance Minister, has presented 6 budgets, including an interim one. Her focus on economic reforms and inclusive growth has marked her tenure.

Credit: BCCL

T. T. Krishnamachari

T. T. Krishnamachari, with 6 budgets, played a key role in shaping India's economic policies in the 1960s. His tenure was critical in India's early post-independence economic strategy.

Credit: BCCL

Arun Jaitley

Arun Jaitley presented 5 budgets from 2014 to 2018. His tenure was noted for major tax reforms and efforts to streamline India's tax system, including the introduction of GST.

Credit: BCCL

Yashwant Sinha

Yashwant Sinha, presenting 5 budgets, introduced the 1999 budget at 11 am, breaking tradition. His focus on economic stability and reforms was key during his tenure.

Credit: BCCL

Manmohan Singh

Manmohan Singh presented 5 budgets, including the crucial 1991 budget during the Balance of payment crisis. His economic policies and reforms were pivotal in liberalising India's economy.

Credit: BCCL

Yashwantrao Chavan

Yashwantrao Chavan, with 4 budgets, is known for the 1973-74 Black Budget due to a high fiscal deficit. His tenure highlighted the challenges of managing India's finances.

Credit: BCCL

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