On February 5, 2024, the Finance Minister of Kerala, K. N. Balagopal, presented the budget for the 2024-25 financial year. The public education sector has been allocated a significant amount of Rs. 1032.62 crores, with an additional Rs. 33 crores earmarked for the modernization of schools. This will provide a significant boost to the education sector. As per the announcement, one school in every district of Kerala will be raised as a model school. The government has also set aside Rs. 155.34 crore for the distribution of free uniforms.
Moreover, the finance minister announced the establishment of five new nursing colleges in the state. Further, Rs. 13 crore has been allocated to waste management projects in medical colleges. "The education sector will make strong capital and attract students for professional courses from outside the state to make a medical hub; facilities will be maintained at all medical colleges for foreign nationals," added Kerala Minister KN Balagopal.
The government of Kerala strives to attract more international students to the state. Therefore, universities in the state will be upgraded with advanced technology. The minister also stated that the government would prioritize the establishment of foreign university campuses as per the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.
Here are some key highlights from the Kerala Budget 2024-25:
- The public education sector is a priority, with Rs. 1,032 crore earmarked. The government aims to establish a 'model school' in each district.
- The government has set aside Rs. 170 crore to support and promote art and culture.
- The Kudumbashree mission will receive Rs. 265 crore. The government has launched the Kudumbashree Livelihood Initiative for Transformation (K-LIFT) as part of the mission's 25th-anniversary celebrations.
- Kalamandalam deemed that the university has been granted Rs. 19.5 crore.
- Rs. 9.27 crore has been allotted for the modernization of the Excise department.
- Rs. 9.88 crore has been allotted to boost Hospital dialysis units, and Rs. 9.5 crore has been set aside for Vimukthi, the campaign against drug and substance addiction.
- The farm sector will benefit from an outlay of Rs. 1689.30 crore, and the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will receive Rs. 128 crore to enhance its services.
- The Haritha Kerala mission will further receive Rs. 7.5 crore for the renovation of ponds, and the Kochi Metro has been allocated Rs. 239 crore in the Kerala Budget 2024-25.
