In the Budget 2024-25, the Narendra Modi government has allocated a substantial Rs 1,089 crore for information and publicity. This allocation underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining a strong emphasis on advertising and communication, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year’s revised allocation of Rs 1,078 crore.
The Rs 1,089 crore earmarked for publicity in the 2024-25 budget represents a significant increase from the Rs 1,001 crore allocated in FY 2022. This consistent rise in expenditure highlights the government’s dedication to ensuring effective communication with the public through various media channels.
This allocation falls under the social services category and includes a capital outlay of Rs 38.84 crore specifically for information and publicity. The Rs 1,089 crore allocated for publicity accounts for nearly one percent of India’s total advertising revenue, which stood at approximately Rs 1 lakh crore in the last fiscal year. Furthermore, it represents nearly a quarter of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s (MIB) overall budget of Rs 4,342.5 crore for the fiscal year.
While the publicity budget has seen a marginal increase, the allocation for broadcasting, which includes Prasar Bharati, All India Radio, Community Radio, and related infrastructure such as DTH, has been reduced from Rs 3,071 crore to Rs 2,960 crore. This shift in funding indicates a strategic emphasis on publicity and communication over traditional broadcasting services.
The current fiscal year’s first quarter was largely influenced by the model code of conduct due to the Lok Sabha elections, suggesting that a significant portion of the publicity budget will be utilized in the remaining nine months. Historically, around 40 percent of the government’s publicity budget has been allocated to both print and television advertisements.
Government advertising continues to be a crucial revenue stream for major media houses, especially during economic downturns when private sector ad spending may decline. This substantial allocation highlights the government’s ongoing strategy to leverage advertising as a key communication tool.
The allocation of Rs 1,089 crore for publicity in the 2024-25 budget demonstrates the Narendra Modi government’s prioritization of effective communication and public engagement. By investing heavily in advertising and information dissemination, the government aims to maintain a strong presence in the media landscape and ensure that its messages reach a wide audience.
For a detailed breakdown of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s budget, you can access the full budget document here.
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