Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
The Indian government, while presenting the Interim Budget on Thursday, announced a substantial increase in budget allocation for the Department of Space, providing Rs 13,042.75 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25.
The allocated amount marked a notable boost of Rs 498.84 crore compared to the previous fiscal year's budget of Rs 12,543.91 crore.
The increased funding comes after successful completion of high-profile missions such as Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L1, showcasing India's achievements in space exploration.
The new budget supports India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission, aiming to send the first Indian into space, along with plans to build a dedicated space station by 2035.
The boost in allocations has been welcomed by ISRO, which is known for its cost-effective missions globally, as it plans to undertake more extensive and enduring missions while fostering international collaboration.
The Department of Science & Technology also saw a budgetary increment, receiving Rs 16,603.94 crore for 2024-25, reflecting the government's focus on fostering scientific research and development.
The increased allocation will be distributed among various departments under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Department of Science and Technology will receive Rs 8,029.01 crore.
The Department of Biotechnology will receive Rs 2,251.52 crore, contributing to advancements in biotechnological research and development.
The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research benefits from an allocation of Rs 6,323.41 crore, aiding in fostering critical research initiatives.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has been granted Rs 3,265.53 crore, reflecting the government's emphasis on environmental conservation. Additionally, the Ministry of Earth Sciences will receive Rs 2,521.83 crore for crucial research in oceanography, meteorology, and seismology.