Reduced Allocation for Council of Ministers in 2024-25 Union Budget

The 2024-25 Union Budget has allocated Rs 1,248.91 crore for expenses of the Council of Ministers, Cabinet Secretariat, and PMO, a significant reduction from Rs 1,803.01 crore in 2023-24. The budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, also allocates funds to the National Security Council Secretariat and Principal Scientific Advisor's office.

The 2024-25 Union Budget has earmarked Rs 1,248.91 crore for expenses incurred by the Council of Ministers, Cabinet Secretariat, and Prime Minister's Office, a significant reduction from Rs 1,803.01 crore allocated in 2023-24. The budget was presented in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday.

A total of Rs 828.36 crore has been designated for the Council of Ministers' expenses, down from Rs 1,289.28 crore last year. This allocation includes salaries, allowances, and travel expenses for cabinet ministers, ministers of state, and former prime ministers, along with provisions for VVIP flight operations.

The National Security Council Secretariat will receive Rs 202.10 crore, compared to Rs 299.30 crore last year, to cover administrative costs and space programmes. The Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor has been allocated Rs 72.11 crore, slightly down from Rs 76.20 crore in 2023-24. The Cabinet Secretariat and the Prime Minister's Office will receive Rs 75.24 crore and Rs 65.30 crore, respectively, for administrative expenses.