Understanding the Union Budget 2024 Allocations for Science

Overview

The Union Budget 2024, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, showcases varying allocations for traditional science ministries and departments. Some sectors have seen marginal increases, while others experienced cuts, creating a mixed outlook compared to the previous year's figures.

Key Allocations and Changes

• Department of Science and Technology (DST):
     - Allocation: ₹8,029 crore.
     - Increase: Marginal rise from ₹7,931 crore last year.
     - Utilisation: Significantly higher than last year’s utilisation of ₹4,891.78 crore.
     - Focus: Emphasis on revenue expenditure for other scientific research.
     - National Quantum Mission: New allocation of ₹427 crore.
• Department of Biotechnology (DBT):
     - Allocation: ₹2,275.7 crore.
     - Decrease: Down from ₹2,683.86 crore last year.
     - Unspent Funds: Over ₹1,000 crore remained unspent last year.
     - Biotechnology R&D: Dropped from ₹1,345 crore to ₹1,100 crore.
     - Other Scientific Research: Allocation decreased from ₹2,472.97 crore to ₹2,087.26 crore.
     - Last Year’s Utilisation: ₹1,508.07 crore.
• Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR):
     - Allocation: ₹6,323.41 crore.
     - Increase: A 2% hike over last year, despite overspending by 8% previously.
• Ministry of Earth Sciences:
     - Allocation: ₹3,064.80 crore.
     - Increase: Modest rise over last year’s actual expenditure of ₹2,879.02 crore.
     - Decrease: 7.6% reduction from the budgeted amount.
     - Oceanographic Research: Capital outlay increased by ₹53 crore to ₹280 crore.
     - Meteorology: Allocation reduced to ₹276.20 crore.
• Overall Allocation and Utilisation:
     - Total Increase Over Last Year’s Budgeted Allocation: -1.3%.
     - Total Increase Over Last Year’s Revised Expenditure: +20.85%.

Analysis

• Under-Utilisation and Increased Allocations:
     - Many departments received higher allocations despite significant under-utilisation of funds last year. For instance, the DST saw a notable increase relative to its actual expenditure.
• National Quantum Mission:
     - This new initiative received substantial funding, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing quantum technologies.
• Decreased Allocations Despite Unspent Funds:
     - Departments like DBT experienced reduced allocations, likely due to high unspent funds from the previous year.
• Modest Increases and Decreases:
     - The Ministry of Earth Sciences saw a slight increase in allocation but faced cuts in budgeted values, indicating a cautious approach to funding.

Conclusion

The Union Budget 2024 reveals a nuanced strategy for funding traditional science ministries and departments. While certain areas received increases to bolster growth and development, particularly in quantum technologies, others faced cuts, likely due to under-utilisation of funds. This trend suggests a balanced focus on enhancing scientific research and development while ensuring effective use of allocated resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the total allocation for the Department of Science and Technology in the Union Budget 2024?
Answer: The Department of Science and Technology received an allocation of ₹8,029 crore in the Union Budget 2024, reflecting a marginal increase from the previous year.

Q2. How much was allocated for the National Quantum Mission in 2024?
Answer: The National Quantum Mission received a new allocation of ₹427 crore in the Union Budget 2024, highlighting a commitment to quantum technology development.

Q3. Did the Department of Biotechnology see an increase or decrease in funding?
Answer: The Department of Biotechnology experienced a decrease in funding, with an allocation of ₹2,275.7 crore, down from ₹2,683.86 crore last year.

Q4. What was the overall trend in allocations for science ministries in the 2024 budget?
Answer: Overall, there was a 1.3% decrease in budgeted allocations compared to last year, despite a 20.85% increase over last year’s revised expenditures.

Q5. Why did some departments receive higher allocations despite under-utilisation?
Answer: Higher allocations may be aimed at encouraging growth in specific areas, such as quantum technologies, despite previous under-utilisation of funds in several departments.