Union Budget 2026: I&B Ministry's allocation reduced by 25%
This year's Union Budget has trimmed the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry's funds by 25%, bringing it down to ₹4,551.94 crore from last year's ₹6,103 crore.
The money will mostly go toward running costs and essential upgrades, with a focus on digital radio, FM expansion, and boosting DTH services.
Why this matters
If you listen to All India Radio or stream Doordarshan—or dream of working in media—this budget shapes what you'll see and hear in the coming fiscal year (Budget 2026-27).
Major institutions like Prasar Bharati, film schools in Pune and Kolkata, the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, and an allocation for the Northeastern areas' social services sector are getting support—but there's less cash overall.
Analysts say the goal is to keep content flowing nationwide while tightening spending belts.
For anyone interested in media careers or how public info reaches remote corners of India, this is worth watching.