Ahmedabad Municipal School Board Greenlights Rs 1,205 Crore Budget for 2026-27 Academic Year
In a significant move for educational development, the Ahmedabad Municipal School Board has officially sanctioned a comprehensive budget of Rs 1,205 crore for the financial year 2026-27. This approval marks a strategic investment in the city's public school system, aimed at enhancing both academic and extracurricular facilities for students.
Budget Approval Process and Key Allocations
The budget process began with an initial draft of Rs 1,200 crore presented by administrative officer Dr. Lagdhir Desai. Following deliberations, board members increased this amount by Rs 5 crore to reach the final approved figure. This year's budget represents a notable increase of Rs 50 crore compared to the previous fiscal year, underscoring the board's commitment to expanding educational resources.
Among the standout provisions is a Rs 1 crore allocation dedicated to artificial intelligence education, reflecting a forward-looking approach to integrating technology into the curriculum. Additionally, a substantial Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for sports training programs and playground development, with an eye on preparing students for future international competitions like the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
Detailed Breakdown of Expenditure Categories
The Rs 1,205 crore budget is meticulously structured to address various needs of the school system:
- Salaries and Pensions: A significant portion, Rs 1,044.32 crore, is allocated for employee salaries and pensions, ensuring stable staffing and support for educators.
- Student-Related Activities: Rs 131.29 crore is designated for activities directly benefiting students, including academic programs and extracurricular initiatives.
- Infrastructure and Facilities: Rs 29.39 crore is set aside for enhancing school infrastructure and other essential facilities, aiming to improve the learning environment.
Infrastructure Expansion and Special Projects
The school board has outlined ambitious plans for the upcoming year, focusing on physical expansion and technological upgrades:
- Construction of 30 new schools to accommodate growing student populations and reduce classroom overcrowding.
- Addition of 304 new classrooms across 36 existing schools, further enhancing capacity and educational access.
- Establishment of an audio-visual studio with a Rs 2 crore investment, facilitating modern teaching methods and digital learning resources.
Additional Cultural and Educational Initiatives
Beyond core academic and infrastructure spending, the budget includes allocations for cultural and conceptual development:
- Summer Festivals: Rs 50 lakh is provided for organizing summer festivals, promoting community engagement and student participation in cultural events.
- 'Sankalpna' Boards: Rs 40 lakh is allocated for 'Sankalpna' (concept) boards, aimed at fostering innovative thinking and project-based learning among students.
This comprehensive budget approval by the Ahmedabad Municipal School Board highlights a holistic approach to education, balancing traditional academic needs with modern technological and sports investments. The focus on AI, sports training, and infrastructure expansion positions Ahmedabad's public schools for future growth and excellence, benefiting thousands of students across the city.
