Anuradha Thakur Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to make history once more. On February 1, she will unveil her ninth consecutive Union Budget. This marks the third full budget during the Modi government’s third term, all while facing a projected growth of 7.4 percent and global geopolitical challenges.
However, this time, one name is dominating the headlines regarding the budget: IAS officer Anuradha Thakur. The reason is straightforward: a woman officer is leading the charge for Budget 2026-27.
Who is IAS Anuradha Thakur?
Anuradha Thakur is currently the Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs within the Ministry of Finance. This department is responsible for drafting the national budget, and as its head, Thakur is viewed as the chief architect of the budget. From resource allocation to setting economic priorities and developing a comprehensive macroeconomic strategy, every key decision is made at this table.
Anuradha Thakur is a 1994-batch IAS officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre. She took on the role of Secretary of Economic Affairs on July 1, 2025, which means Budget 2026-27 will be her first Union Budget. Notably, she is the first female IAS officer in India to occupy this position.
IAS Anuradha Thakur’s Education & Background
Anuradha Thakur was born on April 12, 1970. She has an MA from Delhi University and is proficient in both Hindi and English. Reports indicate that she has also studied at Western institutions, obtaining certificates in psychology and development economics, including one from the London School of Economics. Throughout her career, she has taken on significant roles, such as Officer on Special Duty (OSD).
What role does Anuradha Thakur play in the creation of Budget 2026?
As the Economic Affairs Secretary, Anuradha Thakur heads the Budget Division, responsible for drafting the budget documents. Key issues such as the fiscal deficit, balancing debt with GDP, boosting investment, and ensuring market stability are all addressed in this division.
Their main goals include stabilizing the economy, growing capital markets, attracting investments, and ensuring government borrowing remains balanced. In simple terms, they manage the economic engine behind the budget.
In her role as Secretary of Economic Affairs, Anuradha Thakur also serves as a part-time, ex-officio member of the SEBI board. This position allows her to be directly involved in significant decisions affecting the nation’s capital markets. Additionally, she has been appointed by the government as a director on the RBI’s Central Board, giving her a say in crucial discussions regarding monetary policy and the banking sector.
What were your responsibilities prior to this?
Before her tenure at the DEA, Anuradha Thakur was the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. In that role, she managed important initiatives like the PM Internship Program. She also collaborated with agencies such as the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), which looks into major corporate frauds.
