Union Budget 2026-27 Allocates Rs 1,102 Crore for Key Government Offices and Hospitality
The Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha on Sunday, has earmarked a total of Rs 1,102 crore for expenses related to the council of ministers, the cabinet secretariat, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), and government hospitality and entertainment of state guests. This allocation represents a significant increase from the revised estimate of Rs 978.20 crore in the previous fiscal year 2025-26, reflecting the government's commitment to supporting essential administrative and diplomatic functions.
Detailed Breakdown of Allocations
Here is a comprehensive look at how the funds are distributed across various key offices and purposes:
- Council of Ministers: An allocation of Rs 620 crore has been made for the expenses of the council of ministers in the coming financial year. This marks a notable rise from the Rs 483.54 crore allocated in 2025-26. The funds cover a wide range of expenditures, including salaries, sumptuary and other allowances, and travel expenses for cabinet ministers, Ministers of State, and former prime ministers. Additionally, this provision includes resources for special extra session flight operations for VVIPs, ensuring secure and efficient transportation for high-level officials.
- National Security Council Secretariat: The Budget has allocated Rs 256.19 crore for the National Security Council Secretariat in 2026-27. This is slightly lower than the Rs 279.74 crore provided in the previous fiscal year. The funds are designated to meet the administrative expenses of the secretariat and to support its space-related programmes, which are crucial for national security and technological advancement.
- Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser: An allocation of up to Rs 65 crore has been made for the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, which is marginally higher than the Rs 61.32 crore allocated in 2025-26. This provision is intended to cover the administrative expenses of the office and the National Research Foundation, fostering innovation and scientific research in the country.
- Cabinet Secretariat: The Cabinet Secretariat has received Rs 80 crore in the Budget, a slight increase from the Rs 78 crore provided in 2025-26. These funds will be utilized to meet the administrative expenses of the Secretariat and those of the National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention, ensuring compliance with international treaties and protocols.
- Prime Minister’s Office (PMO): For the Prime Minister’s Office, the Budget has set aside Rs 73.52 crore for 2026-27, compared with Rs 68 crore in the previous year. This allocation is aimed at covering the administrative expenses of the PMO, which plays a pivotal role in coordinating government policies and initiatives.
- Government Hospitality and Entertainment: The Budget has allocated Rs 5.76 crore for government hospitality and entertainment in the coming fiscal year. This is lower than the Rs 6.20 crore provided in 2025-26. The funds cover expenditure on hospitality for foreign state guests, official entertainment arranged at Rashtrapati Bhawan on behalf of the Vice President and Prime Minister, receptions on National Days, investiture ceremonies, and the presentation of credentials, all of which are essential for maintaining diplomatic relations and national prestige.
- Secretariat Assistance to Former Governors: In addition, Rs 1.53 crore has been earmarked for payments towards secretariat assistance to former governors. This is slightly higher than the Rs 1.40 crore allocated in 2025-26, ensuring continued support for former officials in their post-tenure roles.
Context and Implications
The Union Budget 2026-27, presented amidst expectations from salaried and middle-class taxpayers for relief in the new tax regime, also sets a capital expenditure target of Rs 12.2 lakh crore for FY27, highlighting the government's focus on infrastructure development and economic growth. The allocations for key government offices and hospitality underscore the importance of efficient administration and international diplomacy in achieving national objectives.
While gold and silver prices experienced fluctuations on Budget day, with silver dipping by 9%, the financial provisions for ministerial and secretariat functions remain a critical component of the government's operational framework. The increased funding for the council of ministers and PMO, in particular, reflects the growing demands of governance and the need for robust support systems to facilitate policy implementation and public service delivery.
Overall, the Budget 2026-27 demonstrates a balanced approach, with strategic investments in both capital expenditure and administrative capabilities, aiming to propel India towards sustained economic progress and global leadership.
