Kerala Budget Reinforces Student-Centric Policies, Higher Education Allocation Up 8.67%: Minister R. Bindu

Thiruvananthapuram: The state budget firmly reinforces the government’s student-focused policies, said Higher Education Minister Dr. R Bindu. She noted that measures such as making undergraduate education free in Arts and Science colleges, launching common hostels for college students in three cities (Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode), and increasing the newly introduced Chief Minister’s Researcher Scholarship for research scholars who do not receive any other scholarships—from 10,000 rupees to 15,000 rupees—stand as clear evidence of this approach.

Allocating 851.46 crore rupees for higher education—an increase of 8.67 percent (67.95 crore rupees) over the previous year—will accelerate ongoing efforts to transform Kerala into a global education hub. This will enhance the contribution of the higher education sector to "Nava Kerala" (New Kerala) development. At a time when university administration is being destabilised with the backing of central authorities, the budget reflects the state government’s focused commitment to nurturing the sector. Universities under the Higher Education Department have been allocated 259.09 crore rupees.

An allocation of 295 crore rupees for technical education—which has already transitioned to an integrated learning process combining employment and skill development—will provide momentum to building a knowledge-based economy. Of this, 49 crore rupees has been earmarked for government polytechnics, reflecting the government’s commitment to students from ordinary backgrounds. 11.50 crore rupees has been allocated exclusively for technical high schools.

With the aim of ensuring that Kerala’s children compete in the 2036 Olympic Games, 2 crore rupees has been allocated for the College Sports League, launched in collaboration with the Sports Department. An allocation of 11.50 crore rupees for the functioning of the National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, established in memory of K R Narayanan, will further energise Kerala’s own film school. Additionally, 40 crore rupees has been allotted to IHRD, 4 crore rupees to Technopark, and 9.58 crore rupees to LBS Centres.

With 22 crore rupees allocated to the State Higher Education Council, the budget places strong emphasis on the internationalisation of higher education. As an example, 2 crore rupees has been earmarked for academic collaboration with Oxford University. Beyond allocating 12 crore rupees to elevate the five newly established Centres of Excellence into internationally recognised institutions, funds have also been allocated with a long-term vision to foster scientific temper among youth. A total of 30.70 crore rupees has been set aside to strengthen science and technology museums, including the Kottayam Science City, regional science centres at Chalakudy and Parappanangadi, and the Kottarakkara Science Museum—all being developed as flagship institutions under the Higher Education Department. Skill development initiatives will receive a further boost with 35.30 crore rupees allocated to ASAP Kerala.

An allocation of 38.76 crore rupees for various study and research scholarships and fellowships, including the Chief Minister’s Student Excellence Award and the Kerala Research Fellowship, reflects the continuity of the government’s student welfare approach. Translational Research Labs initiated across universities—aimed at integrating higher education research with local development—will gain greater momentum. The K-REAP (Kerala Resources for Education Administration & Planning) project, which leverages digital technology to support student learning and services, has been allocated 2 crore rupees, helping advance recent reforms that have accelerated examinations and result publication.

Colleges that have already made significant strides in infrastructure development will receive an additional 104 crore rupees for further improvement. Government law colleges have been allocated 16.70 crore rupees. Demonstrating that the people’s government stands with the reading community, library librarians under the State Library Council, which functions under the Higher Education Department, have been granted a 1,000 rupees salary increase, Minister Dr. Bindu added.