Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Monday allocated a budget of Rs 16,261.56 crore for the Higher and Technical Education Department for the financial year 2025-26, reflecting a significant increase from the revised estimate of Rs14,248.02 crore in 2024-25.

This substantial rise, according to the government, aims to enhance educational infrastructure, promote technical education, and provide financial assistance to universities and students across the state.

Increased allocation for general and technical education

According to the budget document presented to the legislature, the government has allocated Rs 12,220.56 crore for general education and Rs 3,502.80 crore for technical education for the upcoming financial year. This marks a notable increase from the previous year's allocation of Rs 10,454.34 crore and Rs 3,273.49 crore, respectively.

The funds earmarked for technical education are aimed at fostering research, promoting skill-based courses, and enhancing the overall quality of higher education. The increased budget also aims to support government and non-government colleges, universities, and research institutions.

Support for universities and scholarships

The government has significantly increased its assistance to public universities, with Rs 1,213.60 crore allocated for the development and operational costs of universities. Major beneficiaries include government-funded institutions and those promoting higher learning and research. Additionally, Rs 500.14 crore has been designated for government colleges and institutes, underlining the government's commitment to improving higher education infrastructure.

The budget also places a strong emphasis on student welfare, with Rs 15 crore allocated for scholarships under general education and Rs 1.05 crore for scholarships in technical education. This is expected to provide substantial relief to economically disadvantaged students pursuing higher education.

Implementation of National Education Policy

“The budget has made a significant provision to effectively implement the National Education Policy, aiming to enhance the quality of education and benefit students. This budget is dedicated to Maharashtra's progress, with a clear focus on development and transforming the state into a developed Maharashtra,” said Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil.

The minister stated that for the financial year 2025-26, a provision of Rs 3,098 crore has been allocated to the Higher and Technical Education Department.

“The emphasis will be on improving educational quality while prioritising student welfare. Additionally, the budget focuses on women, children, youth, the poor, and underprivileged sections of society by ensuring food security, shelter, clean drinking water, healthcare services, educational facilities, and employment or self-employment opportunities,” Patil added.

Debt servicing and capital expenditure

The budget document reveals a marginal reduction in debt servicing costs, with interest payments estimated at Rs 364.42 crore for 2025-26, down from Rs 366.95 crore in 2024-25.

Additionally, loans to government servants have been increased to Rs 51.99 crore from Rs 37.03 crore in the previous fiscal year.