Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman today chaired the Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting with States and Union Territories (with Legislature) in New Delhi, as part of the Government’s consultative process for preparing the Union Budget 2026–27.
Wide Participation from States and UTs
The meeting was attended by:
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Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary
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The Governor of Manipur
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Chief Ministers of Goa, Haryana, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and the UTs of Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir
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Deputy Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana
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Finance Ministers and other Ministers representing various States and Union Territories with Legislature
Senior officials, including the Secretaries of the Departments of Economic Affairs, Expenditure and Revenue, along with other senior officers from the Union Ministry of Finance and State/UT Governments, were also present.
Valuable Inputs for Union Budget 2026–27
During the consultation, participants offered several constructive suggestions for consideration in the formulation of the Union Budget for FY 2026–27. A key point highlighted by many participants was the need to continue and enhance the allocation for the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
The Scheme was widely acknowledged as an effective instrument for:
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Fast-tracking asset creation
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Supporting capital investments in States and UTs with Legislature
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Strengthening infrastructure-led development
Over ₹4.25 Lakh Crore Released Under SASCI Since 2020–21
It was noted during the meeting that since 2020–21, the Union Government has released over ₹4.25 lakh crore to States under SASCI in the form of 50-year interest-free loans, significantly boosting capital expenditure and infrastructure development across the country.
Assurance from the Union Finance Minister
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman thanked all participating dignitaries for their valuable contributions and assured them that the suggestions and recommendations would be duly examined and suitably considered during the formulation of the Union Budget 2026–27.
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Source: PIB
