by On Thursday, Gujarat Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai tabled a massive ₹3,70,250 crore budget for 2025-26 in the state assembly. This marks his fourth consecutive budget, focusing heavily on education, infrastructure, skill development, and social welfare.
Special Allocation for Education
The education sector has been allocated ₹59,999 crore to modernize Gujarat’s education system to global standards and support the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Under the Mission Schools of Excellence program, ₹2,914 crore will improve infrastructure for over 25,000 classrooms.
The Namo Lakshmi Yojana, aimed at encouraging girls’ education, has been allocated ₹1,250 crore.
For students in private schools under the RTE Act, ₹782 crore has been set aside for assistance.
The Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, benefiting 2.5 lakh students, gets ₹250 crore.
Additionally, ₹223 crore will cover travel fares for students using state transport buses.
Major Announcements for Infrastructure and Health
Road expansion projects have been granted ₹5,000 crore.
Smart city initiatives will receive ₹4,000 crore.
Urban housing schemes are allocated ₹3,500 crore.
The health sector gets a hefty ₹40,000 crore, with plans to integrate AI-based diagnostics in government hospitals to enhance services. The Ayushman Bharat scheme has been allocated ₹3,200 crore.
Empowering Women and Supporting Farmers
For women’s nutrition, economic independence, and safety, ₹15,000 crore has been earmarked.
Schemes like Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyam Yojana and Namo Lakshmi Yojana will boost entrepreneurship among women.
Investments in Agriculture and Renewable Energy
Agriculture gets ₹25,000 crore, including support for smart farming practices and crop insurance.
Renewable energy—solar, wind, and hydrogen—receives ₹12,000 crore, with a target to increase the state’s solar capacity by 5,000 megawatts.
Job Creation and Economic Growth
Skill development and startup encouragement are backed with ₹10,000 crore.
This budget aims to strengthen Gujarat’s all-round development efforts.
News Source: NDTV
