In a move to bridge policymaking with youth perspectives, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will host a discussion with about 30 college students immediately following the Union Budget 2026-27 unveiling on February 1.

Friday’s official announcement details how selected students from commerce, economics, medical, and vocational backgrounds across multiple states will attend the live budget session in the Lok Sabha gallery. This firsthand exposure to parliamentary proceedings marks a significant educational opportunity.

The group will tour the Finance Ministry at North Block, interacting with top bureaucrats to grasp the nuances of policy formulation and the ministry’s role in India’s development trajectory.

Evening brings the core event: an open forum with Sitharaman. Discussions will cover budget highlights, long-term national goals, and implications for young Indians. Students will share their insights, dreams, and suggestions, creating a two-way dialogue on nation-building.

The program’s goal is clear—equip students with knowledge on fiscal matters, economic principles, governance mechanisms, and democracy. It promotes active, thoughtful youth involvement in shaping India’s financial policies.

Public inputs, especially from the youth via online and offline channels, have influenced the upcoming budget. This student engagement exemplifies the government’s youth-centric approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.