Steep rise in allocation of OIA Ministry in Budget

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs got a steep 23 per cent increase in allocation in the Union Budget as compared to last year.    

The Ministry has been given a total allocation of Rs 80 crore for the financial year 2009-10 against last year's allocation of Rs 65 crore.        

As per figures made available today, although the Ministry was given an allocation of Rs 65 crore, it could spend only Rs 45 crore last year.           

This Ministry had made a representation to the Finance Ministry seeking an allocation of Rs 85 crore for the current year.