Rs 334 crore allocated for training and development of government employees

In the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a significant allocation of Rs 334 crore for the personnel ministry to enhance the training and development of government employees, both domestically and internationally. The government’s focus on modernising administration, bolstering governance, and improving service delivery aims to empower civil servants and enhance overall efficiency.

Training Government Employees

A major component of the budget allocation is dedicated to improving the skills and competencies of government employees. The allocated Rs 334.45 crore for the next fiscal will be split across several key training initiatives and administrative reforms.

• Rs 105.99 crore will be used for establishment-related expenses for training institutes, including the Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM) and the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). These institutions will continue offering crucial programs like foundation courses, refresher training, and mid-career development for officials at various levels.
• Rs 118.46 crore is earmarked for the Training Schemes, which will include funding for both domestic and international training programs for civil servants. The provision will also support the upgradation of LBSNAA into a centre of excellence and expand training facilities at ISTM.
• Rs 110 crore is allocated for Mission Karmayogi, a flagship initiative to enhance the professional capacity of government employees. This ambitious project aims to make civil servants more creative, proactive, and technology-enabled by providing them with the skills necessary to meet modern challenges.

Administrative Reforms

A sum of Rs 100 crore has been set aside for administrative reforms under the budget. This funding will support the modernisation of government offices and pilot projects that aim to reform administrative processes. Key areas of focus include:

• Promotion of e-governance: Encouraging digital governance for efficient public service delivery.
• Fostering good governance: Strengthening transparency, accountability, and the overall effectiveness of government systems.
• Redressal of public grievances: Developing comprehensive systems to address citizens’ complaints promptly and efficiently.

Enhancing Capacity Building with Mission Karmayogi

Mission Karmayogi stands out as one of the largest bureaucratic reform initiatives launched by the government. It aims to equip government employees with the skills required to be more responsive, innovative, and adaptable in an increasingly digital world. The initiative will focus on:

• Continuous training across various stages of an employee’s career, from induction to leadership roles.
• Empowering employees with technology-enabled tools to enhance decision-making and service delivery.
• Encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing among various government departments.

The funding provided will support ongoing efforts to expand and improve this capacity-building program, ensuring that employees remain at the forefront of governance practices.

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, which has played a crucial role in enhancing government transparency, has received a dedicated Rs 3 crore fund for the next fiscal. This allocation aims to further promote the RTI Act and ensure its widespread use, empowering citizens to hold the government accountable.

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which handles service-related grievances of public servants, has been allocated Rs 164.62 crore. This funding will not only support its establishment-related expenses but also assist in acquiring land and constructing new buildings for CAT benches across the country.

Support for Recruitment and Selection Bodies

In line with strengthening the public service, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), which conducts various recruitment exams for central government jobs, has been allocated Rs 515.15 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26. This is a slight decrease from the Rs 584.92 crore allocated in the current fiscal year but still reflects the government’s continued commitment to ensuring a transparent and efficient recruitment process for civil servants.

The Union Budget 2025-26 reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a well-trained, efficient, and accountable civil service. With a focus on capacity building, administrative reforms, and enhancing governance, the budget ensures that the Indian bureaucracy is prepared to meet the challenges of the future. The significant funding for Mission Karmayogi, training programs, and institutional modernization will empower civil servants to deliver better services to the public, while the increase in funding for RTI and the staff selection process underscores the government’s dedication to transparency and effective recruitment.