Fri Feb 07 13:23:32 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Budget Boosts School Education Spending by 5%

**Thiruvananthapuram, February 7, 2025** – The Kerala State Budget for 2025-26 has allocated ₹1,083.82 crore for school education, a nearly 5% increase from the previous year’s allocation of ₹1,032.62 crore. This significant boost reflects the Left Democratic Front government’s commitment to improving academic excellence.

A major portion of the increased funding, ₹37.8 crore, is earmarked for a comprehensive education plan encompassing teacher training programs focusing on new learning models and educational reforms. The State Council of Educational Research and Training will receive ₹5 crore for this initiative.

Infrastructure development will also receive substantial funding. ₹84.28 crore is allocated for upgrading existing government schools, while ₹60 crore is designated for constructing new school blocks equipped with smart classrooms and improved sanitation facilities, including women-friendly washrooms and toilets.

The budget also includes ₹2.8 crore for the “Manchadi” program, aimed at improving mathematical skills for Class III students in 1,400 schools across 14 districts. Lower and upper secondary scholarships have been renamed the CM-KID (Chief Minister’s Knowledge Intelligence and Diligence Scholarship) as part of an exam reform.

Furthermore, ₹2.8 crore will be used to renovate and conserve century-old heritage school buildings showcasing traditional Kerala architecture. The State’s share for the centrally sponsored Samagra Shiksha scheme remains at ₹340 crore, and funding for Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education continues unchanged at ₹38.5 crore. The mid-day meal scheme allocation has increased to ₹402.14 crore. Finally, ₹74.86 crore is allocated for developmental activities in higher secondary education.

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