New Delhi: The Delhi government announced a major thrust for education in its 2026-27 budget, allocating Rs 19,148 crore for the sector with a focus on increasing access, upgrading infrastructure and introducing student-centric initiatives. The plan combines direct benefits for learners with long-term investments to modernize the education system.Chief Minister Rekha Gupta presented the budget in the Assembly, calling for strengthening public education through increased spending, better facilities and technology-enabled education. He said the proposals reflect a broader effort to improve both access and quality in public institutions.Increased access and supportA major initiative is to increase access to schools for girls. For this, there is a plan to provide free bicycles to 1.30 lakh girl students of Class IX in Delhi government schools, for which Rs 90 crore has been allocated.The government is also planning to provide laptops to class 10 students, as announced in the budget. This has the potential to enhance digital learning and bridge the gap in digital education.The budget also includes plans to introduce welfare-related support systems, including for SC, ST, and OBC communities.Digital push and classroom upgradesThe budget allocation will be used to upgrade classrooms in government schools. 8,777 classrooms will be upgraded to introduce smart boards, with a funding of Rs 150 crore along with the roll-out of smart classes.It is likely to introduce new ways of learning and bring government schools up to speed with changing education patterns.New schools and expansion of higher education facilitiesThe budget has proposed several initiatives 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 managed schools.The government has proposed measures for new medical colleges and development of seats in these colleges. This is a longstanding demand for medical education and training.The government has proposed an integrated education city at Narila that will include educational institutions, research facilities and innovation centres. This is a new initiative for higher education and training facilities.A broad framework for educational developmentApart from measures to increase facilities and benefits for students, the government has proposed measures to formulate start-up policy and incubation in the education sector.The budget also proposes allocations for other complementary sectors such as transport, urban development, and social welfare that may indirectly affect students.With combined investments in access, infrastructure and technology, the Delhi Budget for FY27 presents a multi-layered approach to enhancing education in Delhi.(with input from agencies)
