Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently held a crucial meeting with leading economists and industry experts to gather insights for the upcoming Union Budget. The meeting aimed to assess the current economic landscape and explore strategies to bolster growth and development. The discussions focused on key areas such as inflation control, job creation, and boosting investment. Economists emphasised the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline while ensuring adequate public spending to stimulate economic activity. They also highlighted the need for policies that support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are vital for job creation and economic stability. One of the significant topics was the agricultural sector, where experts suggested measures to enhance productivity and income for farmers. The government?s push for digitalization and technological adoption in agriculture was also discussed as a means to modernize the sector and improve efficiency. Infrastructure development was another critical point, with recommendations for increasing investment in transportation, logistics, and urban development to drive long-term growth. Economists stressed the importance of sustainable and inclusive growth, advocating for policies that address environmental challenges and social inequalities. The meeting underscored the government?s commitment to formulating a comprehensive and balanced budget that addresses immediate economic challenges while laying the groundwork for future growth. The insights and suggestions from this consultation are expected to play a significant role in shaping the Union Budget, aiming for a robust and resilient economic recovery.