Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will meet state finance ministers in Jaisalmer on Friday to discuss priorities for the Union Budget 2025-26. The consultations aim to foster innovation, investment, and job creation while addressing states’ specific demands.

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• Nirmala Sitharaman to hold pre-Budget consultations with state finance ministers on December 22 in Jaisalmer.
• Discussions to focus on fostering economic stability, sustainable growth, and financial support for key sectors.
• Maharashtra likely to request a special package for MSMEs, crucial for its economy.
• Mineral-rich states may push for a larger share of revenue from central resources to boost local economies.
• Andhra Pradesh and Bihar received financial packages worth ₹20,000-30,000 crore in the 2024-25 Budget.
• States like Jharkhand, Karnataka, and West Bengal to demand higher allocations for industrial development.
• Concerns over establishing new manufacturing units and developing industrial hubs to be raised.
• Centre may offer financial incentives for asset monetization if states express interest.
• Political outcomes of recent state elections add significance to this year’s consultations.
• Meeting expected to shape policies for innovation, job creation, and industrial investments in the upcoming Budget.