New Delhi: Intelligence gathering has taken a back seat in the Union Budget 2025-26 as the Centre has reduced the flow of funds of several verticals that deal with intelligence collection and dissemination, including the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) – the apex body for all matters concerning internal and external security. According to Notes on Demand for Grants (2025-26), Rs 182.75 crore has been allocated to NSCS in comparison to Rs 270.08 crore (revised estimate) last financial year. The budget of the Intelligence Bureau was also reduced by around Rs 100 crore. Last year, Rs 3,966 crore was allocated to the agency in the revised Budget but this year, the amount has been reduced to Rs 3,893 crore. “This (reduction) indicates that the number of personnel working in these two arms of the intelligence apparatus are being reduced as revenue in both heads have come down,” a senior officer explained, seeking anonymity.  According to the officer, salaries, pensions and other expenses of intelligence personnel fall under the head of revenue, and the capital suggests …