Modi 3.0: With the allocation of the Minister’s portfolio completed, it has become distinct and clear that, unlike his previous terms as head of state, Prime Minister Modi prefers continuity for this term. As evidenced by the distribution of the ministries, the BJP has kept all important ministries for its own party ministers.
With all the ‘big’ and ‘important’ ministries in hand, it is interesting to note that the BJP has not left much of a scope for its allied parties. Let’s look into the top 5 ministries with the most budget to spend till the announcement of the new budget.
Ministry-Wise Budget Allocation List
Before the election, government in power allocates funds to several ministries for its smooth functioning till the formation of the new government. This is done through passing of the interim budget in Lok Sabha. According to the 2024 interim budget, each ministry's budgetary allotment is as follows:
| Name of the Ministry | Interim-Budget Allocation (in Lakh Crore Rupees) |
| Ministry of Defence | 6.20 |
| Ministry of Road Transport and Highways | 2.78 |
| Ministry of Railways | 2.55 |
| Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution | 2.13 |
| Ministry of Home Affairs | 2.03 |
| Ministry of Rural Development | 1.77 |
| Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers | 1.68 |
| Ministry of Communications | 1.37 |
| Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare | 1.27 |
Ministries with the Highest Budget:
As observed from the table above, the Narendra Modi 2.0 government allocated the highest budget to the defense ministry, which was under Rajnath Singh at the time, while the budget for the agriculture sector was the lowest.
1. Defence Ministry: Rajnath Singh
Leading member of the Bharatiya Janata Party Rajnath Singh has continued to hold the position of Minister of Defence. His ministry received the largest budgetary allocation in the Interim Budget 2024–2025.
The ministry in charge of managing the nation's military infrastructure development, ammunition and other purchases, and military operations was allocated Rs 5.25 lakh crore in the 2024–25 interim budget.
In response to growing threats from neighboring countries and the wider world, the Modi government has always given national security a higher priority, resulting in an increase of 15% over the previous year in the ministry.
The Ministry of Defense's allocation of the majority of the funds can be interpreted as a response to India's significant geopolitical position in the Indo-Pacific, the ongoing security threat from Pakistan, and the recent standoff with the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
2. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways received the second-highest allocation of any ministry. Maharashtra Leader Nitin Gadkari became the minster of this Ministry for the third consecutive time in Modi 3.0 government.
In the last two Narendra Modi Cabinets (2014–2019 and 2019–2024), he also held the same position.
The finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman's interim budget for 2024 gave the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways an amount of Rs 2.78 lakh crore, a 12% increase over the previous year.
The ministry focuses on building new roads, renovating old ones, and developing national highways in order to improve connectivity and lessen traffic burden on the state national and roads.
The ministry received recognition for the quick and effective job that it completed under the leadership Nitin Gadkari. Over his nine-year tenure, there was a 59% expansion of the Indian highway network.
3. Ministry of Railways: Ashwini Vaishnaw
The Ministry of Railways, which was given Rs 2.55 lakh crore in the last Interim Budget, is ranked third in the interim budget allocation. BJP leader Ashwini Vaishnav is still in charge of this ministry.
The main aim of the Ministry of Railways is to improve passenger facilities, addition of new trains and services, and modernize railway infrastructure. The most recent Interim Budget showed a 10% rise in its funding.
Vaishnav has been the head of this ministry since 2021. Under his leadership, the new rail line, which includes the Vande Bharats and Namo Bharats, was introduced.
4. Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution: Pralhad Joshi
BJP politician Pralhad Joshi has been assigned the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, which oversees public distribution networks and guarantees food security. The ministry plays a crucial role in making sure that people in need receive free and reduced-price food grains.
This ministry received an 8% rise in funding in this Interim Budget, with an annual budget of Rs 2.13 lakh crore.
5. Ministry of Home Affairs: Amit Shah
Amit Shah has been assigned the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is considered as the most significant cabinet position after the Prime Minister himself. He has been in that role since 2019.
The most recent Interim Budget allocated Rs 2.03 lakh crore to this ministry, a 9% increase from the previous year. The ministry is in charge of border control, law and order management, and internal security.
When will New Budget 2024 be Presented?
With the NDA administration led by Narendra Modi coming office, all eyes will be on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2024, expected on July 23 or 24.
People of India have decided and its our 'sacred duty' to serve the nation. Parliament is the perfect platform to discuss, debate and deliver to fulfill the aspirations of 140 Cr Indians
हम माननीय प्रधानमंत्री @narendramodi जी के सबका साथ, सबका विकास मंत्र में विश्वास करते हैं। https://t.co/VyUIVlZ86v pic.twitter.com/yY2tyuJZKH — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 12, 2024
The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha is scheduled to begin on June 24 and conclude on July 3, as announced by the newly appointed Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on X (previously Twitter).