Union Budget 2026-27 Raises Allocation for Council of Ministers and PMO

Budget 2026–27: Higher Outlay for Top Executive Offices

The Union Budget 2026–27 has provided a combined allocation of Rs 1,102 crore for expenditure related to the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister’s Office , the Cabinet Secretariat , and official hospitality and entertainment. The higher provision compared to the previous year’s revised estimate points to increased administrative, protocol, and coordination-related spending at the highest levels of the Union government.

Council of Ministers Sees Sharp Rise in Allocation

The largest share of the allocation— Rs 620 crore —has been earmarked for the expenses of the Council of Ministers in FY27. This is a notable increase from Rs 483.54 crore in 2025–26. The amount covers salaries, sumptuary and other allowances, domestic and foreign travel, and official engagements of Cabinet ministers, ministers of state, and former prime ministers. It also includes expenditure on Special Extra Session Flight Operations used for VVIP travel.

PMO and Cabinet Secretariat Budgets Expanded

The Prime Minister’s Office has been allocated Rs 73.52 crore , up from Rs 68 crore in the previous financial year, to meet its administrative and operational requirements. The Cabinet Secretariat has received Rs 80 crore , marginally higher than the Rs 78 crore provided in 2025–26. This allocation also covers expenditure linked to the administrative functioning of the National Authority for the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Security and Scientific Advisory Offices

The National Security Council Secretariat has been allotted Rs 256.19 crore for FY27, lower than the Rs 279.74 crore provided in 2025–26. The funding supports administrative costs and selected strategic and space-related programmes. Meanwhile, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser has received Rs 65 crore , compared to Rs 61.32 crore last year, to cover administrative expenditure and support to the National Research Foundation.

Important Facts for Exams

• Total allocation for ministers, PMO, Cabinet Secretariat and hospitality: Rs 1,102 crore

• Council of Ministers’ expenditure increased to Rs 620 crore

• NSC Secretariat allocation reduced on a year-on-year basis

• Budget includes VVIP flight operations and protocol-related expenses

Hospitality and Former Governors’ Support

The Budget has provided Rs 5.76 crore for official hospitality and entertainment in 2026–27, slightly lower than Rs 6.20 crore in the previous fiscal. This covers state hospitality for foreign dignitaries, events at Rashtrapati Bhavan, national day receptions, investiture ceremonies, and presentation of credentials. In addition, Rs 1.53 crore has been allocated for secretariat assistance to former governors, up from Rs 1.40 crore in 2025–26.

Overall, the higher allocation reflects rising administrative and protocol responsibilities associated with governance, diplomacy, and coordination at the apex level of the Union government.