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Jogeshwari resident Mansoor Darvesh filed an RTI query in June seeking details about the upkeep of India's biggest and most prominent house. The reply revealed astonishing information on the expenses incurred by the Rashtrapathi Bhavan.

The 'allowances' in the last three financial years has increased from Rs. 30.96 crore in 2012-13, to Rs. 41.96 crore in 2014-15, a jump of almost 33 per cent. Expenditure on President's Secretariat under Major Head-2012, Appropriation-Staff, Household and Allowances of the President for the financial years 2012-2013, 2013-14 and 2014-15 is Rs. 30.96 crore, Rs. 38.70 crore and Rs. 41.96 crores respectively'.

A total of 754 people are employed at the President's Secretariat. Nine private secretaries, 27 drivers, 64 safaiwalas and eight telephone operators work at the Bhawan. In May, Rs. 1.52 crore was spent on salaries. In the same month, the telephone bill totaled Rs. 5.06 lakh, while in April and March, the amount touched Rs. 5.06 lakh and 4.25 lakh respectively.

Regarding a query on funds spent on VVIP guests that the presidential palace routinely receives, the reply said, "No separate account is maintained. The expenditure in this regard is incurred from the annual budget allotted to the household section of the secretariat."

Darvesh said, "Being an Indian citizen, I have the right to know the amount of funds spent on the upkeep of the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The amount spent increases every year. This list doesn't cover all expenses, though, but I am sure the total will cross Rs. 100 crore."

By Premji