Ahmedabad Municipal School Board Presents Rs 1,200 Crore Draft Budget for 2026-27 Fiscal Year
In a significant development for education in Ahmedabad, Dr L D Desai, the administrative officer of the Ahmedabad Municipal School Board, presented a draft budget of Rs 1,200 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year at Tuesday's general board meeting. This budget marks a crucial milestone as it coincides with the board's 100th anniversary, making it a centenary budget with a strong focus on enhancing educational outcomes.
Detailed Allocation of the Budget
The budget allocation reveals a clear prioritization of key areas. Of the total Rs 1,200 crore, a substantial 87.03%, amounting to Rs 1,044.32 crore, has been earmarked for salaries and pensions. This underscores the board's commitment to supporting its teaching and administrative staff. Additionally, Rs 128.69 crore is allocated for student development, educational activities, and teacher-related programmes, while Rs 26.99 crore is dedicated to school infrastructure and facilities, ensuring that learning environments are improved.
Completion of Previous Tasks and Future Plans
Dr Desai highlighted that most budget-related tasks from the previous year have been successfully completed, with the remaining works scheduled for completion by March 31. He emphasized, "Students, parents and schools are at the heart of this centenary budget for 2026-27." This statement reflects the board's dedication to placing educational stakeholders at the forefront of its initiatives.
Centenary Celebrations and Special Initiatives
To commemorate the board's 100th anniversary, several special initiatives have been launched. The process to select '100 best unique schools' and '100 Teachers: stars of the century' has been completed, and they will be honoured soon. Furthermore, centenary scholarships will be introduced for municipal schoolchildren, providing financial support to deserving students. The budget also includes plans for specialized sports training and library development to enhance reading habits among students.
Collaborations and Infrastructure Development
In a move to boost STEM education, the board will collaborate with IIT Gandhinagar to provide quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programmes. Additionally, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) plans to construct 34 new schools in the city's newly developed areas, addressing the growing demand for educational facilities and ensuring accessibility for all children.
Alignment with National Education Policy 2020
The budget is fully aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing a holistic approach to education. Key focus areas include:
- Skill development to prepare students for future careers
- Promotion of sports, arts, music, and public speaking
- Initiatives for self-defence, value-based education, cleanliness, and traffic awareness
- Fostering self-reliance, patriotism, and confidence in students
This comprehensive approach aims to create well-rounded individuals equipped to contribute positively to society.
The Ahmedabad Municipal School Board's centenary budget represents a forward-looking vision for education, combining financial prudence with innovative programmes to benefit students, teachers, and the community at large.
