Ahead of Budget 2024, Here¡¯s The Journey Of India¡¯s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

It's been nearly five years since India got its first full time female Finance Minister when Nirmala Sitharaman was appointed for the role in May 2019. Just two months later, she presented her first Union Budget in July 2019. And now, FM Sitharaman is set to present India¡¯s Union Budget for the sixth time.

As the days get closer to February 1st, i.e. when FM Sitharaman will present the interim budget, let us look back at the journey of India¡¯s first full time female Finance Minister:

Where Was Nirmala Sitharaman Born?

nirmala sitharman jnu/twitter

Nirmala Sitharaman was born on 18th August, 1959, in Tamil Nadu's Madurai. As far as her educational qualifications are concerned, Sitharaman completed her graduation from Seethalakshmi Ramasamy College, Tiruchirappalli and obtained her M.A. (Economics) from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Before that, she did her schooling from Sacred Heart Convent Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, Villupuram till primary level and also from Madras and Tiruchirappalli.

When Did She Become India's First Full Time Female Finance Minister?

nirmala sitharaman journey finance minister/indiatimes

On 30 May 2019, Nirmala Sitharaman scripted history by becoming India's first ever full time Finance Minister. Before her, late Arun Jaitely had held the FM position.

What About Her Non-Political Career?

Nirmala Sitharaman worked as a sales representative at the Regent Street home d¨¦cor store in London. She worked for the UK's Agricultural Engineers Association as an economist's assistant. She has also worked as a Senior Manager (R&D) for PWC and for a brief period of time at the BBC World Service while she has been in the UK. She was a member of the National Commission for Women as well. She was one of the original directors of Hyderabad's Pranava in 2017.

nirmala sitharaman to present interim budget on 1 feb/pti

Which Other Key Positions Has She Held?

Over the decades, Sitharaman has held several key positions, including: Member, National Commission for Women,Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry,Rajya Sabha member, Minister of Defense.

Also Read; Meet Nirmala Sitharaman's Team Behind Interim Budget 2024

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