Budget 2013: Overseas Ministry gets Rs 115 crore

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, which carries out welfare programmes for the diaspora community, has been given a total financial grant of Rs 115 crore in the Union Budget today.

Out of the total allocation, Rs 65.58 crore has been given to the ministry for general expenditure while Rs 20 crore has been allocated under the head 'public works'.

Rs 8 crore has been earmarked for celebration of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, the annual event organised by the ministry to connect with the Indian diaspora.

Out of the allocation for general expenditure, Rs 57.58 crore has been earmarked for implementation of various schemes for overseas Indians. An amount of Rs 28.91 crore has been set aside for various expenses -- like holding of seminars, workshops and for advertising and publicity.

The Ministry was given Rs 114.77 crore last year out of which it could spend only Rs 85 crore.