Union Education Minister Lauds Budget 2025-26, Emphasizing Welfare and Empowerment

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Minister emphasized that the budget focuses on the holistic needs of the entire population—from childhood to youth, who will play a pivotal role in realizing the "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) agenda.

Union Budget 2025: Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, has commended the Budget for 2025-26, calling it a visionary and futuristic plan aimed at uplifting every citizen while positioning India on the path to becoming a developed nation by 2047. Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Minister emphasized that the budget focuses on the holistic needs of the entire population—from childhood to youth, who will play a pivotal role in realizing the "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) agenda.

A Budget for Youth Empowerment and National Progress

Pradhan highlighted that the Budget addresses the future of India’s youth, ensuring they are equipped to lead the country in the next 25 years. This comprehensive approach will strengthen India's education system while promoting a global outlook, he added. He stressed that the measures outlined in the Budget will foster an environment for innovation, research, and entrepreneurship, directly benefiting the youth of today, who will shape the nation’s future.

Emphasis on Human Capital Development and Regional Inclusivity

The Union Minister elaborated that the Budget prioritizes human capital development by focusing on education, skilling, and entrepreneurship. With "Gareeb" (poor), "Yuva" (youth), "Annadata" (farmers), and "Naari" (women) as the central pillars, this budget aims to accelerate growth, uplift the middle class, remove regional disparities, and build rural prosperity. Moreover, it will invest heavily in research and innovation, with a commitment to fostering employment-led growth throughout India.

Education and Skilling: A Leap Towards Empowerment

 Pradhan expressed his appreciation for the significant investments in education, skilling, and research, which will empower India’s population with world-class opportunities. He noted that the total allocation for the Ministry of Education has reached ₹128,650 crore, marking a 6.22% increase from the Budget Estimates of FY 2024-25.

Expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs and Connectivity in Rural Areas

The Minister revealed a major initiative to establish 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in government schools over the next five years. This will cultivate curiosity and scientific temper among young minds. In addition, broadband connectivity will be provided to all government secondary schools and primary health centers in rural areas under the BharatNet project.

Infrastructure Development in IITs and Education for All

 Pradhan highlighted that the total number of students in 23 IITs has increased by 100% over the past decade, and additional infrastructure will be built in the 5 IITs established after 2014. This expansion will accommodate 6,500 more students, with enhanced facilities at IIT Patna.

Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme to Promote Indian Languages

To ensure a deeper connection to India’s cultural heritage, the budget proposes the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, which will provide digital Indian language books for school and higher education students. This initiative aims to promote linguistic diversity and enrich the educational experience across the country.

National Centres of Excellence for Skilling and AI Integration

In a move to empower youth for global manufacturing, five National Centres of Excellence for skilling will be set up in collaboration with international experts. Additionally, the Budget introduces the fourth AI Centre of Excellence, which will harness artificial intelligence to revolutionize education from pre-primary to research levels, ensuring equitable and high-quality education across India.

Promotion of Research and Innovation

The Budget also allocates ₹20,000 crore to foster private-sector-driven research, development, and innovation. Under the PM Research Fellowship scheme, 10,000 fellowships will be provided over the next five years, focusing on technological research in IITs and IISc.

Conserving India’s Manuscript Heritage through the Gyan Bharatam Mission

 Pradhan announced the launch of the Gyan Bharatam Mission, aimed at surveying, documenting, and conserving India’s rich manuscript heritage. Over 1 crore manuscripts will be covered, and a National Digital Repository for Indian knowledge systems will be established to facilitate knowledge sharing.

Department of School Education & Literacy: Record Budget Allocation

The Department of School Education & Literacy has received the highest-ever budget allocation of ₹78,572 crore for FY 2025-26, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. Key flagship schemes like Samagra Shiksha, PM-POSHAN, and PM- have also seen significant increases, ensuring greater access to education across the country. The budget also emphasizes setting up 50,000 ATLs and providing broadband connectivity to all government secondary schools.

Department of Higher Education: Strengthening Infrastructure and Research

The Department of Higher Education's budget allocation for FY 2025-26 stands at ₹50,077.95 crore, reflecting a 5.16% increase. The increased allocation will support autonomous bodies, central universities, and institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIMs. The focus on expanding research, skilling, and infrastructure will ensure India’s higher education system is better equipped to foster innovation and talent.

With significant increases in funding for key educational bodies and schemes, the Union Budget 2025-26 sets a clear path for an empowered, developed India by 2047.

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• Union Budget 2025: ₹78572.10 Crore for School Education & Literacy; PM SHRI gets ₹7500 Crore