The Indian government has increased the funding for various social sector programs in its interim budget. The education ministry’s overall budget has been raised by 6.4%, with specific allocations for school and higher education. Several specific projects and schemes, such as PM Schools for Rising India (PMSHRI) and Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS), have received significant boosts in funding. Additionally, the budget for social justice and empowerment and tribal affairs ministries has also seen increments, with a focus on specific initiatives such as transgender welfare and tribal product promotion in the northeastern region.
The Indian government has made incremental increases in funding for several key social sector programs in its interim budget. The education ministry’s total budget has been raised by 6.4%, reaching ₹120,627.87 crore, with ₹73,008 crore specifically allocated for school education and ₹47,619 crore for higher education. Notably, the PMSHRI scheme, aimed at developing 15,000 benchmark schools for quality education, has received a substantial boost with an allocation of ₹4,000 crore. The budget for the mid-day meal scheme has also been increased to ₹11,600 crore from its previous ₹10,233 crore. Furthermore, the STARS project has witnessed a significant funding increase from ₹800 crore to ₹1,250 crore.
In the realm of social justice and empowerment, the budget has seen a 1.2% rise, with a significant reallocation towards transgender welfare and the NAMASTE scheme, focusing on the mechanization of sewerage to eradicate manual scavenging. The budget for tribal affairs has also seen a 4.3% increase, with a specific allocation of ₹107.52 crore for promoting tribal products from the northeastern region, marking a substantial 450% increase from the previous budget.
Funding Boost in Education Ministry
The Indian government has increased the funding for the education ministry in its interim budget, with specific allocations for school and higher education. Notably, the PMSHRI scheme has received a substantial boost in funding, aimed at developing benchmark schools for quality education.
Enhanced Allocations for Social Justice and Empowerment
The budget for social justice and empowerment has seen a 1.2% rise in funding, with a significant reallocation towards specific initiatives such as transgender welfare and NAMASTE scheme, targeting the mechanization of sewerage.
Incremental Increase in Tribal Affairs Ministry Budget
The budget for tribal affairs has witnessed a 4.3% increase, with a specific focus on promoting tribal products from the northeastern region, marking a substantial boost from the previous year.
Significant Funding Rise for PM STARS Project
The STARS project, aimed at strengthening teaching, learning, and results for states, has received a notable increase in funding, indicating a significant governmental emphasis on educational enhancement.
Focus on Transgender Welfare and Tribal Product Promotion
The interim budget has demonstrated a specific focus on initiatives such as transgender welfare and the promotion of tribal products, signifying a commitment to social welfare and economic empowerment in these communities.
