Budget 2026 Allocates ₹1,102 Crore for Ministers’ Salaries and VVIP Expenses

The Union Budget 2026-27 has earmarked ₹1,102 crore for expenses related to the Council of Ministers, the Cabinet Secretariat, the Prime Minister’s Office, and official hospitality and entertainment, reflecting a rise over the previous year’s revised estimate. The allocation highlights increased administrative and protocol-related spending at the highest levels of government.

Higher Allocation for Council of Ministers

Of the total amount, ₹620 crore has been allocated for expenses of the Council of Ministers in the coming fiscal. This marks a significant increase from ₹483.54 crore in 2025-26. The provision covers salaries, sumptuary and other allowances, and travel costs of Cabinet ministers, ministers of state, and former prime ministers. It also includes expenditure on Special Extra Session Flight Operations for VVIPs.

Outlays for PMO and Cabinet Secretariat

The Prime Minister’s Office has been allotted ₹73.52 crore for 2026-27, up from ₹68 crore in the previous fiscal, to meet its administrative expenses. The Cabinet Secretariat has received ₹80 crore, marginally higher than the ₹78 crore allocated in 2025-26. This provision also covers the administrative expenditure of the National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention.

Security and Scientific Advisory Spending

The National Security Council Secretariat has been allocated ₹256.19 crore for 2026-27, lower than ₹279.74 crore in 2025-26. The funding is meant to meet administrative expenses and support its space-related programmes. Meanwhile, up to ₹65 crore has been allotted to the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, compared to ₹61.32 crore in the previous year, for administrative functions and support to the National Research Foundation.

Important Facts for Exams

• ₹1,102 crore allocated for ministers, PMO, Cabinet Secretariat, and hospitality.
• Council of Ministers’ expenses increased sharply to ₹620 crore.
• NSC Secretariat allocation reduced year-on-year.
• Budget includes VVIP flight operations and official hospitality.

Hospitality and Other Provisions

The Budget has allocated ₹5.76 crore for hospitality and entertainment in 2026-27, slightly lower than ₹6.20 crore in 2025-26. This covers government hospitality for foreign state guests, official events at Rashtrapati Bhavan, national day receptions, investiture ceremonies, and credential presentations. An additional ₹1.53 crore has been provided for secretariat assistance to former governors, up from ₹1.40 crore in the previous fiscal.