The federal government has proposed a budget of more than Rs9.67 billion for the Senate for fiscal year 2026-27, reflecting an increase of approximately Rs615.4 million over the outgoing fiscal year's allocation.
According to budget documents, the Senate's proposed budget stands at Rs9.67 billion, up from Rs9.05 billion allocated last year.
The government has proposed increasing the budget for salaries of Senate members to Rs417.7 million from Rs403.3 million allocated during the current fiscal year, reflecting an increase of about Rs14.4 million.
A budget of Rs150 million has been proposed for the expenses of Senate members.
The allocation for the expenses of the Senate chairman, deputy chairman and their staff has also been increased. Budget documents show that Rs218.9 million has been proposed for the upcoming fiscal year compared with Rs189.7 million allocated last year.
Similarly, expenditures related to the offices of the chairman and deputy chairman have been proposed at Rs104.8 million, compared with Rs101.3 million allocated during the current fiscal year.
The budget also proposes an increase of Rs3.6 million in expenditures related to the offices of the Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate.
Standing committees of the upper house are expected to receive a significant increase in funding, with an additional Rs137.6 million proposed for their operational expenses.
Meanwhile, spending on gifts and entertainment has also been increased. The government has proposed allocating Rs14 million for gifts and entertainment during the next fiscal year, compared with Rs8 million allocated in the outgoing year, representing an increase of Rs6 million.
The proposed allocations will become part of the federal budget for FY2026-27 and will be subject to parliamentary approval during the budget process.