New Delhi, Feb 1 (PTI) As India's voter base increases, the Union law ministry has been allocated Rs 250 crore for voter identity cards, while another Rs 500 crore has been earmarked to settle Lok Sabha election related expenditure.

The expenditure on Election Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) is shared equally between the Centre and the states. Each state pays the amount in proportion to the number of electors it has.

The voter base of India stands at around 99 crore now.

According to the Union Budget 2026-27, Rs 250 crore has been allocated under the revised estimates.

According to the Budget Estimates, the amount was Rs 300 crore.

Separately, the ministry, the nodal agency for Election Commission, election laws, related rules and EC appointments, has been provided Rs 500crore for the Lok Sabha polls held in 2024.

Officials said after any election, funds are provided to clear expenditure made by various agencies and states for the purpose.

"It is a book keeping exercise," an official said. PTI NAB ARI

Union budget allocates funds for voter ID cards and settling parliamentary election expenses, including reimbursements to agencies and stakeholders. The Union Budget allocates Rs 250 crore for Election Photo Identity Cards (EPICs), down from a Budget Estimate of Rs 300 crore, with EPIC costs shared equally between Centre and states in proportion to electors. Separately, Rs 500 crore is earmarked to settle election expenditure from the 2024 Lok Sabha polls to reimburse agencies and subnational units as a post election accounting measure.