Budget Overview
The Home Affairs budget experienced a considerable surge from the actual expenditure of Rs 2,24,585 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 2,33,211 crore in 2025–26 (Budget
Estimates), which reflects a 3.84 per cent increase. Later, the allocation was further revised upward to Rs 2,41,485 crore in 2025–26 (Revised Estimates), demonstrating an additional 3.55 per cent rise. The budget for 2026-27 is projected to hit Rs 2,55,234 crore, indicating a 5.69 per cent increase over the revised figures from 2025-26 and a cumulative 13.65 per cent growth from the actual expenditure of 2024-25. This increase marks the third consecutive year of rising expenditure, with a notable expansion expected in the 2026–27 budget, primarily fueled by a substantial increase in census funding and infrastructure spending.
Census Funding Boost
The most significant change within the budget is the massive increase in funding for census-related activities. The 'Census Surveys and Statistics' head shows a dramatic rise from Rs 509.86 crore to Rs 5,762.79 crore. This mirrors the government's aim to revitalize the nationwide census, upgrade statistical infrastructure, and expand its digital data systems. The allocation for Census, Survey and Statistics/Registrar General of India (RGI) specifically jumps to Rs 6,000 crore in 2026-27 from Rs 574.80 crore in 2025-26 – an increase of Rs 5,425.20 crore. This surge underscores the government's commitment to modernising data collection and analysis, which will be crucial for effective policy-making, welfare programs, fiscal transfers, and urban planning. The rise in census funding reflects preparations for the national census, which include investment in digital enumeration platforms and logistics networks.
Security Spending Dominance
Despite the significant increase in census funding, internal security continues to be the financial backbone of the Home Ministry. The Police head receives a substantial allocation of Rs 1,73,802.53 crore, representing approximately 68 per cent of the total Home Affairs expenditure. Additionally, transfers to Jammu & Kashmir account for Rs 43,290.29 crore, roughly 17 per cent of the ministry’s budget. Collectively, policing and Jammu & Kashmir transfers consume nearly 85 per cent of total spending, highlighting the security-focused structure of the ministry. This persistent emphasis on security reflects ongoing efforts to maintain law and order, counter internal threats, and manage complex geopolitical situations in key regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and other strategic territories.
Union Territory Allocations
The Union Territories are receiving significant attention in the budget, reflecting a focus on infrastructure development and security in remote and strategic regions. For 2026-27, the allocations are as follows: Andaman & Nicobar Islands gets Rs 6,680.94 crore, Ladakh receives Rs 4,869.31 crore, Chandigarh will get Rs 5,720.17 crore, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu are allocated Rs 2,832.70 crore, Lakshadweep gets Rs 1,682.35 crore, Delhi receives Rs 1,348.01 crore, and Puducherry gets Rs 3,517.88 crore. These targeted investments highlight the government's strategy to improve infrastructure and bolster security, especially in areas with unique logistical, connectivity, and security requirements. The higher per-capita allocations to these areas indicate a proactive approach to address specific challenges within the Union Territories.
