From Colonial Ledger to Digital Tablet: The Remarkable Evolution of India's Union Budget
As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget for FY 2026-27 on February 1, this annual exercise draws renewed attention to how India's most important economic document has transformed dramatically over time. What began as a colonial-era English text has evolved into a more accessible public instrument, reflecting broader changes in governance and public communication across the nation.
Colonial Origins: The British-Era Budget
India's first Union Budget was presented on April 7, 1860, by James Wilson, the finance member of the Indian Council and founder of The Economist magazine. Drafted entirely in English, this initial budget reflected the priorities of the British administration and was aimed at a limited, English-speaking audience consisting primarily of colonial administrators and elite circles.
Post-Independence Transition: A New Beginning
After India gained independence, the budgetary process began to take a more indigenous shape. The first Union Budget of independent India was tabled on November 26, 1947, by Finance Minister RK Shanmukham Chetty. This historic document marked a significant shift from colonial fiscal practices to national economic planning, setting the stage for India's development trajectory as a sovereign nation.
1955: When Hindi Entered the Budget
A major milestone in the budget's evolution came in 1955 under then Finance Minister CD Deshmukh. According to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the Union Budget was printed in both English and Hindi for the first time that year. This landmark move reflected a growing recognition that key policy documents needed to reach a broader cross-section of citizens and not remain confined to a narrow administrative elite.
During his tenure, Deshmukh played a crucial role in strengthening India's financial institutions. He helped establish the Reserve Bank of India as a strong monetary authority and was closely associated with the formulation of India's first Five-Year Plans, which laid the foundation for industrial growth and infrastructure development across the country.
From Print to Paperless: The Digital Revolution
The Budget's evolution has continued in recent years with technological advancements. Nirmala Sitharaman, who has presented the Budget since 2019, introduced India's first paperless Budget in 2021, delivering it on a digital tablet carried in a traditional bahi-khata style pouch. This innovative approach combined technological progress with cultural symbolism, representing a new era in budget presentation.
She is set to present her ninth consecutive Budget on February 1, making this the second-highest number of budget presentations by any finance minister, just behind former Prime Minister Morarji Desai. This continuity has allowed for consistent policy implementation and gradual reforms in India's economic framework.
A Journey Mirroring National Progress
The Union Budget's remarkable journey from its colonial beginnings to linguistic inclusion and digital presentation mirrors broader changes in governance and public communication in India. Key milestones in this evolution include:
- 1860: First budget presented in English during British rule
- 1947: First post-independence budget marking shift to national planning
- 1955: Introduction of Hindi alongside English in budget documents
- 2021: First completely paperless budget using digital technology
This transformation demonstrates how India's most significant economic document has adapted to changing times, becoming more inclusive, accessible, and technologically advanced while maintaining its core function of outlining the nation's fiscal priorities and economic direction.
