Census boost for Home Ministry in Budget 2026; intelligence bureau gets 74% hike

The internal security budget has got a census boost, with the Union government allocating ₹5,762 crore for the national survey that is to begin from April 1. The overall budget for internal security has been increased by almost 9.5% to ₹2.55 lakh crore.

Most of the funds will go towards central police forces like CRPF, BSF, ITBP and CISF that are responsible for border security, guarding vital installations and dealing with law and order.

The Intelligence Bureau - tasked with internal security, terrorist threats and security risks - has been the biggest gainer within the home ministry, with a hike of over 74% proposed in the budget. The agency was allocated ₹3,893.35 crore last year, which has been hiked considerably to ₹6,782.43 crore for the next financial year.