Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced a major push to strengthen social and educational infrastructure, including a plan to set up a dedicated girls’ hostel in every district of the country.
With over 700 districts nationwide, the move is aimed at expanding safe and affordable residential facilities for female students.
The Budget also focused on strengthening the agricultural and healthcare sectors. The Finance Minister proposed a new capital subsidy scheme linked to loans to support the development of veterinary hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and specialised colleges.
To modernise traditional healthcare systems, Sitharaman announced upgrades to Ayush pharmacies and drug testing laboratories. The initiative will also support the World Health Organisation’s Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
In addition, the Centre plans to develop five new university townships. These will be located near major industrial and logistics hubs to better connect higher education with industry and employment opportunities.