In the Union Budget for 2024-25, significant financial allocations have been made for higher education, with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Central Universities receiving substantial increases. The total budget for education, employment, and skilling this year stands at Rs 1.48 lakh crore, with the Department of Higher Education’s budget set at Rs 47,619.77 crore. The highest allocation has been made to the Department of School Education and Literacy, receiving Rs 73,498 crore.
The IITs have been allocated Rs 10,202.5 crore, marking an increase of Rs 841 crore from the previous year. This substantial boost reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the infrastructure and quality of technical education in the country. The National Institutes of Technology (NITs) have also seen a significant allocation of Rs 5,040 crore.
In addition, the Indian Institutes of Science for Education and Research (IISERs) will receive Rs 1,540 crore, while the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has been allocated Rs 875.77 crore. Central Universities are set to receive Rs 15,928 crore, and deemed universities have been allocated Rs 596 crore.
The Department of Higher Education has seen an overall increase of Rs 3,525.15 crore, or 7.99%, compared to the previous fiscal year. This budget aims to strengthen the skilling and apprenticeship ecosystem, with a focus on skill development and internship opportunities for one crore youth. Key initiatives include employment-linked incentives for first-time employees, EPFO contribution incentives for both employees and employers, model skill loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh for 25,000 students annually, and education loans up to Rs 10 lakh for one lakh students each year, with an annual interest subvention of 3 percent.
Moreover, a new scheme will be launched to provide internship opportunities for one crore youth at 500 top companies, offering an internship allowance of Rs 5,000 per month and a one-time assistance of Rs 6,000. These measures are expected to enhance employment prospects and skill development for the younger generation, contributing to India’s growth in the education and employment sectors.
