Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government announced a major push for education in its 2026–27 Budget, allocating Rs 19,148 crore to the sector with a focus on expanding access, upgrading infrastructure and introducing student-centric initiatives. The plan combines direct benefits for learners with long-term investments aimed at modernising the education system.Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the Budget in the Assembly, placing emphasis on strengthening public education through higher spending, improved facilities and technology-driven learning. She said the proposals reflect a broader effort to improve both access and quality across government institutions, PTI reported.Increasing accessibility and supportOne of the major steps is to increase the accessibility of schools for girls. For this, there are plans to provide free bicycles to 1.30 lakh Class 9 girl students in Delhi government schools, with an allocation of Rs 90 crore.The government is also planning to provide laptops to Class 10 girl students, as announced in the Budget. This is likely to increase digital learning and bridge the gap in digital education.The Budget also includes plans to introduce support systems linked to welfare, including provisions for SC, ST, and OBC communities.Digital push and classroom upgradesThe Budget allocation will be utilized to upgrade classrooms in government schools. As many as 8,777 classrooms will be upgraded to introduce smart boards, with the rollout of smart classes to be funded with Rs 150 crore.This is likely to introduce new ways of learning and bring government schools at par with changing education patterns.New schools and the expansion of higher education facilitiesThe Budget has proposed several measures for the development of new schools and higher education facilities. The government has announced the establishment of 10 Kendriya Vidyalayas in the national capital to provide access to centrally administered schools.The government has proposed measures for the development of new medical colleges and seats in these colleges. This is a long-pending demand for medical education and training.The government has proposed an integrated education city in Narela, which includes academic institutions, research facilities, and innovation centers. This is a new initiative for higher education and training facilities.Broader framework for education growthIn addition to the measures for enhancing facilities and benefits for students, the government has proposed measures for the creation of a startup policy and incubation in the education sector.The Budget has proposed allocations for other complementary sectors such as transportation, urban development, and social welfare that might impact students indirectly.With a combined investment in access, infrastructure, and technology, the Delhi Budget for FY27 presents a multi-level approach to enhancing education in Delhi.(With inputs from agencies)
