New IITs, IIMs in India’s Latest Education Budget

India’s budget release was a much anticipated event last week. Released on Thursday 10th July, the country’s new government kept everyone waiting to find out how much money will be setting the agenda for the coming year.

Education-wise, the hot news was that five new IITs and five new IIMs will be established. The proposal is for the new IITs to be set up in Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. The new IIMs will see potential establishment in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Odisha, and Maharasthra.

The education sector received Rs. 68,728 crore for 2014-2015 – an increase of 11.1% on the estimated Rs 51,857 crore for 2013-2014.

Schools were allocated Rs. 51,828 crore. Elementary education was deemed a priority, and Rs 28,635 crore of the total Schools budget has been set aside for the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) programme.

Higher educational institutions were allocated Rs. 16,900 crore. The IIMs and IITs received Rs. 7,138.97 crore of this total allotment.

Proposals for a sports university, and new teacher training programmes were also announced.

Additionally, the government recognized the current lack of infrastructure in educational facilities across India (poor toilet facilities, access to clean drinking water, technology integration).