Published 20:57 IST, January 30th 2025
What Is The Economic Survey And Why Is It Tabled Before the Union Budget?
The first full-fledged Union Budget of Modi 3.0 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1.

The first full-fledged Union Budget of Modi 3.0 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1. But a day before that, 'The Economic Survey of India', another crucial document that is extremely pivotal to the economy, will be tabled on January 31.
History
The first-ever Economic Survey was introduced in 1950-51, initially as part of the Union Budget. However, after 1964, it has been separated from the Budget and tabled before the Union Budget to give a clear, independent overview of the nation’s economic situation.
What The Survey Is All About ?
The Economic Survey is a crucial document tabled in Parliament annually by the Ministry of Finance, typically a day before the presentation of the Union Budget. Prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs, it provides an in-depth assessment of the Indian economy’s performance over the past fiscal year.
The survey offers detailed insights into various sectors, including industries, services, and agriculture, while also highlighting key economic indicators like GDP , inflation, fiscal deficit, and employment data.
Subdivision Of The Economic Survey
The Economic Survey is generally divided into two parts. Part A focuses on macroeconomic trends, fiscal performance, and key industry data, providing an overall view of the country's economic performance. Part B, on the other hand, delves into socio-economic issues, such as education, poverty, climate change, and other important factors crucial to the economy.
The document aims to provide the government, policymakers, economists, and the public with a clear understanding of the economic situation.
Why Is The Survey Useful?
The Economic Survey serves as a valuable tool for the government to communicate its vision for the economy and guide fiscal policy decisions, which are then reflected in the Union Budget. It also acts as a reference for various stakeholders to evaluate the economy’s performance and future outlook.
The presentation of the Economic Survey is significant as it sets the tone for the Union Budget and helps contextualize the proposed fiscal policies.
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Updated 11:29 IST, January 31st 2025