Government Allocates Rs 92 Crore for Renovations of Union Ministers’ Residences in 2025-26

The Indian government has reportedly allocated a staggering Rs 92.3 crore for the renovation, repair, and furnishing of Union ministers’ official residences located in the Lutyens bungalow zone in New Delhi for the fiscal year 2025-26. This expenditure marks the highest recorded amount since 2014, as revealed by a recent response to a Right to Information (RTI) query.

In comparison, the expenditure on these renovations in the 2014-15 fiscal year was significantly lower at Rs 27.4 crore, which, when adjusted for inflation, equates to approximately Rs 46.6 crore in today’s terms. The Lutyens bungalow zone, which dates back to the early 20th century, was developed between 1912 and 1930, making it home to various high-ranking officials, including Union ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), and senior judiciary and military personnel. Many of these bungalows have stood for nearly a century, reflecting both historical and architectural significance.

Over the span of 11 years, from 2014-15 to 2025-26, a cumulative total of Rs 547.6 crore has been spent on the renovation of ministers’ residences. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD), which oversees the maintenance and renovation of these government properties, managed the project. However, the data released did not include expenditures related to the homes of MPs who do not hold ministerial positions or the offices of the Union ministers and ministers of state.

This substantial spending has drawn criticism from political groups, particularly the Cockroach Janta Party, which emphasized, “Rs 92 crore could build 10 new world-class government schools.” The party has called for a reallocation of government funds, urging the authorities to prioritize educational infrastructure over the lavish renovations of ministerial homes. Their campaign underscores a growing concern among the public regarding government spending priorities, particularly in a nation where many face challenges in accessing quality education and public services.

The debate surrounding government spending is not new; it often surfaces during discussions about fiscal responsibility and accountability. Critics argue that while maintaining the residences of high-ranking officials is necessary, the scale of the recent renovations raises questions about the appropriateness of such expenditures, especially when juxtaposed against pressing social needs like education and healthcare.

Source: scroll.in