Sat Feb 01 08:58:15 UTC 2025: ## Union Budget 2025 Focuses on Digital Education and Skill Development
**New Delhi, February 1, 2025** – The Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, prioritizes digitalization, artificial intelligence (AI), and enhanced capabilities in the education sector. A significant portion of the budget is allocated to expanding access to higher education and improving skill development initiatives.
Key highlights include the establishment of an AI center of excellence for education, complementing existing centers focused on agriculture, health, and sustainable cities. A “Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme” will provide digital Indian language books for schools and higher education. Furthermore, five newer IITs will receive support to accommodate an additional 6,500 students, while IIT Patna will see infrastructure upgrades. The total number of students across all 23 IITs has more than doubled in the last decade, rising from 65,000 to 135,000.
The healthcare sector will also receive a boost with 10,000 additional seats in medical colleges and hospitals this year, part of a larger plan to add 75,000 seats over the next 10 years. This aligns with the Economic Survey’s goal of reaching a 1:1000 doctor-to-population ratio by 2030.
A novel initiative involves setting up 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools to encourage innovation and scientific temper among students. This complements the government’s plan to provide broadband connectivity to all rural government secondary schools and Primary Health Centers.
The budget also emphasizes skill development, outlining plans to establish five National Centers of Excellence. These centers will leverage global expertise and partnerships to equip young people with skills needed for “Make for India, Make for the World” manufacturing initiatives. Partnerships will encompass curriculum design, trainer development, skills certification, and regular reviews.
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