BMC Budget 2026: Education budget rises to Rs 4,248 crore with infra push

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC on Wednesday presented its education budget for the financial year 2026ndash27 proposing a total outlay of Rs 424808 crore marking a significant increase from Rs 3674 crore allocated in 2025ndash26According to the civic body the revenue budget for 2026ndash27 is estimated at Rs 375808 crore up from Rs 354434 crore in the previous fiscal The capital expenditure has been pegged at Rs 490 crore compared to Rs 41130 crore last year which was later revised to Rs 38678 croreMission SAFAL to Drive Holistic DevelopmentBuilding on the implementation of Mission SAMPURN under the National Education Policy NEP 2020 in 2025ndash26 the BMC announced the rollout of Mission SAFAL in the upcoming academic year The initiative aims to integrate cocurricular activities with academic learning to ensure the holistic development of studentsThe administration stated that continuous efforts under NEP 2020 have yielded encouraging results and Mission SAFAL will further strengthen these gains through innovative educational interventionsKey Initiatives and Budget AllocationsA major focus of the budget is on teacher training digital learning and student enrichmentTeacher Training Rs 240 crore Training programmes will be conducted to equip teachers with updated curriculum knowledge and modern teaching methodologies aligned with NEP 2020Library Upgradation Rs 5 crore School libraries will be enhanced with academic and competitive exam materials along with improved infrastructure to promote reading habitsMeritorious Student Assistance Rs 19 lakh Financial aid of Rs 25000 or tuition fees whichever is higher will be provided to topperforming Class 10 students scoring above 90 per cent from BMC schools affiliated with boards such as CBSE ICSE IB and CambridgeBoost to Cultural and CoCurricular ActivitiesTo promote artistic development the BMC has allocated funds for music educationMusical Instruments Rs 1 crore primary Rs 35 lakh secondary Instruments such as harmonium tabla keyboard and sound systems will be procuredMusic Teachers Camp A oneday field camp will be organised for music educatorsAdditionally Road Safety Patrol RSP programmes involving 9480 students and disaster management training for Classes 6ndash10 will continue with a combined allocation of Rs 17 lakhDigital Push in ClassroomsThe civic body has proposed several digital initiativesExpansion of astronomical laboratories to 40 more schools Rs 3 croreDistribution of 19317 tablets to Class 9 students Rs 2183 crore combined allocationIntroduction of gamified learning applicationsContinued rollout of digital classrooms across 7953 classrooms in 1203 schools Rs 2446 crore combined allocationThe lsquoJaadui Pitararsquo knowledge box initiative for primary classes will also be expanded with a Rs 2 crore provisionInfrastructure and Safety MeasuresThe BMC has earmarked Rs 340 crore for school infrastructure including repairs upgrades and reconstruction Out of 72 ongoing works 57 are expected to be completed by March 2026To enhance student safety Rs 42 crore has been allocated for CCTV installation across school premisesStudent Welfare SchemesFree Scholastic Materials Rs 15057 crore Procurement for the next two academic years is underwayFree BEST Bus Service Rs 870 crore Over 9600 students have already benefited from free travel using lsquoChalo CardsrsquoGrants to Private Aided Schools Rs 450 crore has been allocated for salaries and Rs 240 crore for pensionsState Government Grants and Pending DuesThe BMC expects Rs 64380 crore as a 50 per cent grant for primary education and Rs 24608 crore for secondary education salaries from the state government However the civic body noted that dues amounting to Rs 724138 crore remain pending from the state and followups are ongoingBudget overviewTotal Budget Rs 424808 croreRevenue Expenditure Rs 375808 croreCapital Expenditure Rs 490 crore