Did Science & Technology sector really got 'substantial enhancement' in budget ?

If India's Finance Minister P Chidambaram is to go by then Science and Technology has got a "substantial enhancement" in the union budget but is it just his statistical wizardry as the actual numbers speaks a different story.

Though proposed allocation for the department of space remained same as compared to last year, the atomic energy sector's allocation saw an increase.

The finance minster also proposed a dedicated fund of Rs200 crores – to fund organisations – to take benefits, of some amazing scientific innnovations that he has identified, to common people.

“Despite our constraints, we must find resources for science and technology and for Space, Atomic Energy etc. I propose to allocate 6,275 crore to the Ministry of Science & Technology, Rs5,615 crore to the department of Space, and Rs 5,880 crore to the department of Atomic Energy … these amounts are substantial enhancements,” said Chidambaram.

Compared to last year's allocation of Rs5,975 crores to the Union Ministry of Science & Technology (S&T), a total of Rs6,275 have been proposed this year – an enhancement of only Rs300 crores.

Department of Space was allocated Rs5,615 Crores last year and the same amount has been promised this year as well.

But atmoic energy, which has become vital for satisfying India's ever increasing energy needs, seems to have got a special push from the finance minister as department of atomic energy's proposed allocation has increased to Rs5,880 crores from Rs5,600 crores last year. Interestingly, the department was able to spend only about Rs 3,175 crores during last year.