Nirmala Sitharaman Biography: Early Life, Education, Family and Political Career

Nirmala Sitharaman is an Indian politician and a prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member. She has held several key positions in the Indian government. Here's a brief overview of Nirmala Sitharaman's biography:

• Name: Nirmala Sitharaman

• Mother's Name: Savitri

• Father's Name: Narayanan Sitharaman

• Education: Bachelor's degree in economics from Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College, Tiruchirappalli and Master's degree in economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi

• Date of Birth: August 18, 1959

• Place of Birth: Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

• Occupation/Profession: Politician, Economist

• Political Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

• Designation: Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs of India

• Spouse: Parakala Prabhakar

• Children: Vangmayi Parakala

• Caste & Religion: Brahmin, Hindu

Nirmala Sitharaman Early Life

Nirmala Sitharaman was born on August 18, 1959, in Madhurai, Tamil Nadu, India. She grew up in the Tamil Iyengar Brahmin family. Her father, Narayanan Sitharaman, worked for Indian Railways, and her mother, Savitri, was a homemaker with a passion for literature. This upbringing in an environment that valued education and culture played a significant role in shaping her interests and values.

Nirmala Sitharaman Education

Sitharaman's academic journey began in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College. She continued her studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, obtaining a Master of Arts in Economics and a Master of Philosophy degree. During her time at JNU, she was actively involved in student politics, which served as an early foundation for her future political career.

Nirmala Sitharaman Family

Nirmala Sitharaman is married to Parakala Prabhakar, an economist and political commentator. The couple has a daughter named Vangamayi. Her family has been a source of support throughout her political journey, contributing to her resilience and determination.

Nirmala Sitharaman Political Career

In the year 2006, Nirmala began her political career, at that time she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She quickly rose through the party ranks by becoming the national spokesperson in 2010. With her effective communication skills and articulate presentation of the party’s positions gained her significant recognition and respect within the party and among the public.

Nirmala Sitharaman Political History/ Timeline

1986: Nirmala worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Senior Manager and briefly worked for the BBC World Service.

2003: Became a member of the National Commission for Women.

2006: In the year 2006, she joined the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP).

2008: She was a member of the National Executive at the BJP.

2010: She served as the national spokesperson of the BJP until 2014.

2014: Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Elected to Rajya Sabha (resigned on 17 June 2016).

2016: She was elected to the Rajya Sabha for a second term from Karnataka.

2017: She was appointed as Minister of Defence.

2019: She was inducted into Modi's cabinet as Minister of Finance.

2022: Nirmala Sitharaman is a BJP candidate and was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka for the third term.

2024: After NDA victory in the 2024 general elections, she was inducted into the Modi 3.0 cabinet. She serves as the Union Minister of Finance; and Minister of Corporate Affairs.

Nirmala Sitharaman as Minister of State for Commerce and Industry (2014-2017)

In May 2014, Nirmala Sitharaman became Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce and Industry, marking the start of her governmental career. Throughout her term, she concentrated on expanding trade, strengthening India's standing in international markets, and advocating for the 'Make in India' campaign, which aims to persuade domestic and foreign businesses to produce goods in India.

Nirmala Sitharaman as Defence Minister of India (2017-2019)

Nirmala Sitharaman became India's second female minister of defense in September 2017, after Indira Gandhi in this important role. In her capacity as Minister of Defence, she handled important policy choices pertaining to modernizing the armed forces, improving military capabilities, and reinforcing defense relationships with other nations. During her tenure, she oversaw the controversial Rafale fighter plane contract as well.

Nirmala Sitharaman as Finance Minister of India (2019-Present)

Nirmala Sitharaman was named India's first full-time female finance minister in May 2019, following the BJP's victory in the country's general elections. She has overseen proposing Union Budgets, overseen the nation's economic policy, and put major reforms into action in this capacity. During her tenure, programs to promote economic growth and development and measures to address economic issues like the COVID-19 epidemic have been implemented.

Nirmala Sitharaman Achievements

• As Defence Minister, Sitharaman played a crucial role in strengthening India's defense capabilities and fostering strategic partnerships with other nations.

• As Finance Minister, she has presented the Union Budget, focusing on reforms and measures to boost the economy.

• Her tenure has been marked by significant initiatives to improve the ease of doing business in India and to address various economic challenges.

Nirmala Sitharaman Net Worth

According to the affidavit filed with the Election Commission in the year 2019, Nirmala Sitharaman's net worth is more than Rs 2 crore, while she has liabilities of more than Rs 30 lakh.

According to the information on the PMO website, in 2022, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has only Rs 7,350 in cash and the amount deposited by her in various bank accounts is Rs 35,52,666. The finance minister has invested Rs 1,59,763 in PPF, while the amount invested by her in mutual funds is Rs 5,80,424. She does not have any insurance policy. She has neither taken LIC nor any other insurance.

Nirmala Sitharaman Interesting Facts

• She is the second woman to become the Finance Minister of India, after Indira Gandhi.

• Before entering politics, she worked in various corporate positions and academia, including a stint at the Agricultural Engineers Association in the UK.

• She is known for her strong oratory skills and has represented India at numerous international forums.

Nirmala Sitharaman Election Results

Nirmala Sitharaman has been elected to the Rajya Sabha multiple times.

• In 2014, she was elected from Andhra Pradesh.

• In 2016, she was re-elected from Karnataka.

• In 2022, she was again re-elected to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka.

Nirmala Sitharaman Political Controversy

• Rafale Deal: Defended the controversial Rafale fighter jet purchase; accused of lack of transparency and favoritism.

• GDP Growth Statements: Faced criticism for attributing India's GDP slowdown to global factors and specific sectors, leading to debates.

• COVID-19 Economic Response: Scrutinized for the perceived inadequacy of stimulus packages and relief measures during the pandemic.

• Bank Mergers: Criticized for merging public sector banks, which some argued would lead to job losses and harm rural banking.

• Farmers' Protests: Part of the government criticized for handling farmers' protests against new farm laws, seen as poorly managed.

• Defence Budget: Debated for her budget allocations for defense, with some arguing it was insufficient for modernization.

• PSU Privatization: Controversial push for privatizing public sector undertakings, seen by critics as against public welfare.

• Economic Inequality Comments: Criticized for remarks on economic inequality, accused of downplaying the issue.

Frequently Asked Question

Q. Who is Nirmala Sitharaman?

Ans. Nirmala Sitharaman is the current Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs of India.

Q. Does Nirmala Sitharaman have criminal cases?

Ans. No, Nirmala Sitharaman does not have any criminal case.

Q. From which party does Nirmala Sitharaman belong to?

Ans. Nirmala Sitharaman belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Q. Who is Nirmala Sitharaman's husband?

Ans. Dr. Parakala Prabhakar is the husband of Nirmala Sitharaman.

Q. What is Nirmala Sitharaman's qualification?

Ans. Nirmala Sitharaman completed an M.Phil. in economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University.