Arunachal Pradesh Budget 2024-25: ₹2139 Crore for Education, 100% fee waiver for IIT students

The budget also prioritizes higher education with substantial investments in two engineering colleges, two model degree colleges, and the Bini Yanga Government Women College.

The Government of Arunachal Pradesh presented an ambitious budget for 2024-25, heavily emphasizing education, tourism, and connectivity. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, Chowna Mein, unveiled the budget, which aims to foster socio-economic development and build a vibrant future for the state.

Education as the Cornerstone

A record allocation of ₹2139 crore has been designated for the education sector under the Arun SHRI Mission. As per a statement issued by the Education Ministry of the state, this investment reflects the government's commitment to developing a robust and inclusive educational infrastructure. Notable initiatives include the establishment of 30 new Government Higher Secondary and Senior Secondary Schools and the construction of residential quarters for teaching staff throughout the state.

The budget also prioritizes higher education with substantial investments in two engineering colleges, two model degree colleges, and the Bini Yanga Government Women College. Additionally, the development of a university auditorium and grant-in-aid for Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat, demonstrate the government's dedication to elevating academic standards.

Dulari Kaniya scholarship Scheme

Innovative scholarship programs, such as the Dulari Kaniya Scheme, offer ₹50,000 to girl children pursuing graduation or professional courses. The budget also includes a 100% fee waiver for undergraduate students at IIT and a 75% waiver on training fees for those pursuing commercial pilot licenses.

In alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, the budget emphasizes teacher training and comprehensive school programs. Initiatives like the 100 Days Reading Campaign, School Readiness Program, and Bagless Saturday aim to create a holistic learning environment. The integration of technology in education is also a priority, with plans to establish real-time digital inventories for public infrastructure in schools and promote STEM education across the state.

Tourism and Connectivity

Tourism has been allocated ₹150 crore, focusing on developing iconic treks, trails, and enhancing ecotourism potential. The New Tourism Policy, inclusive of Film Tourism and Healing and Wellness Tourism, highlights the strategic approach to promoting tourism.

Connectivity, crucial for supporting education and tourism, is a major focus with significant achievements like the construction of 13,000 km of roads under the RWD initiative. This includes the development of a two-lane approach and internal road at Government Engineering College, Tezu, and provision of teachers’ quarters to improve educational access in rural areas.

Pasang Dorjee Sona, Minister of Education, Tourism, RWD, and Parliamentary Affairs, emphasized the youth-oriented nature of the budget. "By investing in education, tourism, and connectivity, we aim to empower our youth, display our state’s rich heritage, and ensure sustainable development. Together, we will unlock the full potential of the youth of Arunachal Pradesh by giving them opportunities in education and tourism," he stated.

During the Question Hour, concerns regarding low enrolment rates and poor teacher-student ratios in village schools were addressed. The government plans to close schools with extremely low or zero enrolment and establish inter-village residential schools to provide a conducive learning environment. The Education Minister committed to leading by example, starting this initiative in his constituency.

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