In the Gujarat government’s state budget for the fiscal year 2025–2026, Finance Minister Kanu Desai announced on Thursday that the education sector would receive Rs 59,999 crore. Despite the significant investment, the budget maintains financing for current programs while introducing no new educational initiatives.
The state’s overall budget is Rs 3.7 lakh crore, with an emphasis on economic development, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The Namo Lakshmi Yojana, Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, Mukhya Mantri Yuva Swavalamban Yojana, and other merit-based scholarships are some of the important education programs that continue to get funding.
Reduced Enrollment and Changes in Institutions
The budget’s accompanying Social Economic Review 2024–25 notes that Gujarat’s primary school population has decreased during the previous five years. From 45,315 in 2019–20 to 44,288 in 2023–24, there were fewer elementary schools, with a significant decline in those run by local governments. During the same time period, the number of students enrolled has decreased from 86.14 lakh to 78.47 lakh.
On the other hand, there are now 271 technical institutions, up from 236 in 2020–21. Nonetheless, the overall number of authorized seats in these establishments has decreased from 1.85 lakh to 1.22 lakh, suggesting a change in the dynamics of demand for technical and higher education. In a similar vein, between 2020–21 and 2024–25, student enrollment fell from 1.87 lakh to 1.17 lakh, despite an increase in diploma institutions.
Investing in Technical and Higher Education
The creation of the Gujarat Institute of Technology (GIT), which is modeled after the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), is a significant announcement in the budget. The institute, which has been given Rs 100 crore by the government, intends to build competence in cutting-edge industries like aircraft, semiconductors, green energy, and fintech.
In order to improve research and innovation skills, LD College of Engineering in Ahmedabad will also establish a Demonstrative Artificial Intelligence Lab. Six other government technical institutes will also have AI labs.
Simplifying Admissions and Improving Availability
Launched in 2024, the Gujarat Common Admission Service (GCAS) has been regarded as a major budgetary accomplishment. By making registration and course selection easier for students from all disciplines, the site seeks to expedite the admissions process for government universities.
The government’s emphasis on education is in line with the larger goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims to update Gujarat’s educational system and get students ready for the workforce of the future.
More Comprehensive Budgetary Attention
In addition to education, the state budget makes significant investments in economic growth, infrastructure, and healthcare. Among the investments are Rs 3,500 crore for urban housing projects, Rs 4,000 crore for smart city projects, and Rs 5,000 crore for road construction. With a focus on AI-based diagnostics in government institutions and increased coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the healthcare industry has received Rs 40,000 crore.
A total of Rs 25,000 crore has been allocated to the agriculture sector to promote crop insurance, smart farming, and irrigation. Gujarat has further solidified its status as a leader in sustainable energy by allocating Rs 12,000 crore to renewable energy projects, with a particular emphasis on solar, wind, and hydrogen power.
Budget Presentation Symbolism
Instead of presenting the budget in the conventional manner, Finance Minister Desai displayed Gujarat’s rich tribal and folk artistry by carrying the paper in a red “pothi,” or ledger book, embellished with Ahir embroidery and Warli paintings. Additionally prominently displayed was the Ashoka Stambh, which symbolizes governance and national pride.
Read Also: Russia Planning To ‘Declare Victory’ In War Against Ukraine: Report
