The government has earmarked a sum of Rs 1,120 crore for meeting expenses towards the general elections likely to be held in April-May this year.
The outlay for election expenses has been provided for in the Interim Budget presented by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in the Lok Sabha today.
The expenditure budget explains that provision has been made for meeting the carry forward liability in respect of general elections to the 15th Lok Sabha.
Provision has also been made for reimbursement of Central government share on normal election expenses to the states and union territories. It also includes the cost of preparation and printing of electoral rolls.
As much as Rs 43 crore has been earmarked in the budget for 2009-10 for issue of identity cards to voters.
The revised estimate for 2008-09 provided Rs 388 crore for elections. Assembly polls were held in Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh among others.