Govt spending on publicity triples in 2024-25 from last FY

Capital spending on information and publicity nearly tripled in 2024–25, even as overall expenditure under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting increased only marginally, according to the ministry’s latest annual report.

The report shows that capital outlay on information and publicity rose to Rs 3,441 crore in the Revised Estimates for 2024–25, up from Rs 1,179 crore in 2023–24. This represents a sharp increase of around 192 per cent in a single year, making it the steepest rise among media-related expenditure heads.

Overall Spend Sees Limited Growth

Despite the spike in capital expenditure, the Centre’s total establishment spending increased only modestly. According to the annual report, total expenditure is estimated at Rs 5,648 crore in 2024–25 (RE), up 2.34 per cent from Rs 5,516 crore in 2023–24 (actuals).

Revenue expenditure continues to be tightly controlled. Revenue establishment spending is projected at Rs 5,304 crore in the revised estimates for 2024–25, compared with Rs 5,127 crore in 2023–24, reflecting an increase of 3.45 per cent.

Film Certification Sees Decline

Spending on film certification fell during the year. The Central Board of Film Certification recorded a drop of nearly 12 per cent, with expenditure decreasing from Rs 4,189 crore in 2023–24 to Rs 3,692 crore in the revised estimates for 2024–25.

Information and Publicity Shows Mixed Trend

According to the annual report, total spending on information, films, and publicity increased to Rs 37,823 crore in 2024–25 (RE), up 3.52 per cent from Rs 36,526 crore in the previous year.

The Press Information Bureau recorded a marginal rise, with expenditure increasing by 3.72 per cent to Rs 10,766 crore from Rs 10,382 crore.

Spending on the Central Bureau of Communication, the ministry’s largest expenditure centre, rose by 5.44 per cent to Rs 19,275 crore from Rs 18,258 crore.

In contrast, the Publications Division saw a sharp reduction. Its expenditure declined by over 10 per cent, falling to Rs 4,820 crore in the revised estimates from Rs 5,369 crore in 2023–24.

Digital and Monitoring Units See Sharper Rise

The annual report shows a steady increase in spending on monitoring and digital-facing units. Expenditure at the Electronic Media Monitoring Centre rose by 3.85 per cent, from Rs 1,287 crore to Rs 1,337 crore.

The New Media Wing recorded one of the highest increases among revenue heads, with spending jumping from Rs 174 crore in 2023–24 to Rs 269 crore in 2024–25 (RE), a rise of nearly 55 per cent, reflecting a growing emphasis on digital research, reference, and training.

What the Numbers Show

The expenditure pattern outlined in the MIB annual report points to a clear shift in priorities during 2024–25. While routine revenue spending grew slowly, capital-heavy investments rose sharply. At the same time, traditional units such as publications and film certification saw cuts, while digital and monitoring functions gained greater financial backing.