Home Ministry Refuses to Disclose How Much Govt Spends on Mohan Bhagwat's Security |
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New Delhi: In response to Right to Information (RTI) applications filed to ascertain how much the Union government spends on the security of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have declined to provide the requested information.
While the ministry cited provisions related to security and privacy, the CISF refused to disclose the details, asserting that it is an organisation exempt from the provisions of the RTI Act.
It is important to note that Bhagwat does not hold a constitutional office. He serves as the Sarsanghchalak (head) of the RSS, a non-governmental organisation. Yet, he is afforded high-level security protection by the Union government. So it is natural and pertinent to inquire about the actual expenditure incurred on his security.
This matter pertains not only to the security arrangements for an individual, but also to the broader principle of transparency regarding the utilisation of public funds and state resources.
What did the RTI application seek?
On April 16, 2026, this correspondent filed an RTI application with the Union home ministry, requesting information on seven specific points. The application sought details regarding the total expenditure on Bhagwat’s security to date; the annual costs incurred since 2015; the expenses covered by the CISF, state police forces, and other agencies; costs associated with vehicles, communication systems, weaponry, travel, and other logistical arrangements; as well as the additional costs incurred following the upgrade of his security cover, among other details.
Concerning this particular matter, a separate application submitted to the CISF also sought information regarding about the initial deployment of force for the security of Bhagwat, the total number of personnel assigned, the breakdown of personnel by rank, whether a specialized security unit has been designated for him, and the overall count of VVIPs/VIPs currently under CISF protection.
What was the ministry’s response?
In a reply dated May 7, 2026, the VIP Security Unit of the home ministry replied saying the information requested in the application is exempt under Sections 8(1)(g) and 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, and therefore cannot be furnished.
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ response to RTI application..
In other words, the ministry did not supply any figures related to the expenditure, nor did it provide any clear details about the security level, and it also failed to share the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
What do these sections imply?
Section 8(1)(g) stipulates that information........