Budget Allocates ₹1,102 Cr for Ministers’ Salaries and State Guests’ Entertainment
The Union Budget for 2026-27 earmarks ₹1,102 crore specifically for the salaries of ministers and the entertainment of state guests. This budget allocation represents an increase from the revised estimate of ₹978.20 crore in the previous fiscal year, 2025-26.
Allocation Breakdown
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during the budget presentation in Lok Sabha, detailed the allocations as follows:
- Council of Ministers: ₹620 crore, an increase from ₹483.54 crore in 2025-26.
- National Security Council Secretariat: ₹256.19 crore, down from ₹279.74 crore in the previous year.
- Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor: ₹65 crore, slightly up from ₹61.32 crore.
- Cabinet Secretariat: ₹80 crore, increased from ₹78 crore.
- Prime Minister’s Office (PMO): ₹73.52 crore, up from ₹68 crore.
- Hospitality and Entertainment Expenses: ₹5.76 crore, reduced from ₹6.20 crore.
- Secretariat Assistance for Former Governors: ₹1.53 crore, compared to ₹1.40 crore last year.
Key Details on Allocations
The allocation for the Council of Ministers covers:
- Salaries, allowances, and travel expenses for cabinet ministers, state ministers, and former prime ministers.
- Special provisions for VVIP flight operations.
Meanwhile, the National Security Council Secretariat’s allocation aims to support its administrative and space program expenses.
Administrative expenses for the Cabinet Secretariat and National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) are also addressed under this budget. The PMO’s allocation is intended to support its operational costs, ensuring efficient governance.
This budget reflects a comprehensive approach to managing public financial resources dedicated to government operations and international relations, highlighting India’s commitment to maintaining its administrative functions efficiently.
