What Is Economic Survey, Which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Will Present In Parliament Today?

The Economic Survey, a pre-budget document outlining the state of the economy over the past fiscal year, will be presented in Parliament today at 12 pm by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

This presentation comes just a day before the highly anticipated Union Budget for 2025-26. The survey will be tabled in the Lok Sabha at 12 pm and in the Rajya Sabha at 2 pm.

Prepared under the guidance of the Chief Economic Advisor, the Economic Survey is crafted by the economic division of the Department of Economic Affairs within the Ministry of Finance.

It not only provides a detailed analysis of the current economic situation but also offers an outlook for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, it often serves as an indicator of the tone and direction of the Union Budget.

The presentation of the Economic Survey marks the beginning of the Budget Session of Parliament, which will run until April 4. Parliament will take an inter-session break from February 14 and resume on March 10.

The theme of the Economic Survey is also significant. Last year, in 2024, the theme was economic resilience. The chosen theme typically sets the stage for the policies that will be proposed in the Union Budget.

The Economic Survey was first introduced in 1950-51 as part of the budget documents. However, in the 1960s, it was separated from the budget and began to be presented a day before the Union Budget, as reported by ANI.

Traditionally, before the budget is presented, a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister is held. During this meeting, ministers are briefed about the budget, and Cabinet approval is sought.

Ahead of the Union Budget presentation, President Droupadi Murmu will also address a joint session of Parliament today.