As the government prepares to present the Union Budget for FY 2026-27 on February 1st, the spotlight is once again on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Over her historic tenure, she has not only shattered glass ceilings but also fundamentally transformed the centuries-old traditions of the Indian Budget presentation.

The End of the Briefcase Era

Since India’s first budget was presented on November 26, 1947, by R.K. Shanmukham Chetty, finance ministers traditionally carried budget documents in a leather briefcase—a colonial-era legacy. However, in 2019, Sitharaman replaced the briefcase with the traditional Indian 'Bahi Khata' (a ledger wrapped in a red cloth). boAt Rockerz 512 ANC,(~40dB) Hybrid ANC, 80H Battery, 40mm Drivers, 40ms Low Latency, ENx Tech,Stream Ad Free Music via App Support, Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphone with Mic (Bold Blue)

A Paperless Revolution (2021)

In 2021, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Sitharaman scripted history by presenting the first-ever paperless budget in independent India. Carrying a "Made in India" tablet in a red velvet sleeve, she digitized the entire process. This move was not just a health precaution but a strategic push towards a 'Digital India':

Eco-Friendly: Eliminated the printing of thousands of pages of budget documents.

Instant Accessibility: Launched the 'Union Budget Mobile App', allowing the public and MPs to access budget details in real-time.

Reality Check: Unimplemented Promises from Budget 2025-26?

While the presentation has become high-tech, a recent analysis by Financial Express suggests that "implementation" remains a hurdle. As the Finance Minister prepares for her record-setting 9th consecutive budget, several key announcements from last year (2025-26) remain stuck on paper:

Agriculture: The proposed hike in the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan limit from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh and the "National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds" have yet to see a full-scale rollout.

Industry & Startups: The second tranche of the ₹10,000 crore "Startup Fund of Funds" is reportedly awaiting final guidelines.

Employment: The PM Internship Scheme has seen a lukewarm initial response, with only 20% of the targeted opportunities being effectively utilized in the pilot phase.

As Sitharaman takes the podium this Sunday, the nation will be watching not just for new digital milestones, but for the actual delivery of past promises. Also Read: Civic Groups Urge SEC to Conduct Greater Bengaluru Authority Polls Using EVMs, Not Ballot Papers!?

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From Briefcases to Tablets: Nirmala Sitharaman’s Legacy as India’s First Digital Finance Minister

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