Sustaining 7–8% growth top priority to create jobs: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Sustaining a 7-8 per cent economic growth is the government's top priority, as it will benefit all citizens and create more jobs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said.

In an interaction with college students from different regions of the country on Sunday, after the presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27, Sitharaman said if economic growth is good, its fruits will reach all citizens.

"And that is why growth is the primary priority. Sustain it at that level, the world's-fastest growing economy, we need to be at that level of 7 per cent, 8 per cent growth. So everything that I do will have to be for sustaining that growth," the minister said.

She said economic growth create jobs, bring more people into workforce and more productivity.

Sitharaman further said employers are increasingly recognising the value women bring to the workforce due to their efficiency and precision. This is reflected in the rising number of women in semi-skilled roles.

However, there remains concern about the limited representation of women in boardrooms, she said, adding that more women need to rise to leadership positions to influence decision-making and serve as role models for others. While progress has been made, more needs to be done, she said.

The minister informed the students that since the last budget, the government has consistently ensured policies, funding and support for the Orange Economy (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics sector).

"Today, even television media depends on such creative inputs. It is a bright sector with many avenues. Creativity is challenged every day, and if you have the aptitude, this is definitely an area worth pursuing," she said.

The minister also informed the students about the steps involved in budget preparations.

She said the budget preparation begins in late October or November with consultations involving industry groups, businesses, economists, trade unions, and interest groups, alongside public inputs via social media.

The suggestions are shortlisted, discussed with concerned ministries and states, and refined for feasibility and implementation.

After multiple reviews and drafting rounds, the budget speech is finalised, Sitharaman said.