Mumbai, Feb 25 (NationPress) The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revealed its ambitious education budget for the fiscal year 2026-27, showcasing a total allocation of Rs 4,248.08 crore, which is a significant rise from the Rs 3,674 crore budget of 2025-26.

This budget was unveiled by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Avinash Dhakne, marking a pivotal return to democratic practices as it is the first budget presented to an elected general body of corporators in four years, rather than merely an administrator.

The budget is strategically divided into two essential streams aimed at balancing everyday operations with long-term development. The overall education funding amounts to Rs 4,248.08 crore, with an estimated revenue expenditure of Rs 3,758.08 crore allocated for salaries, operational maintenance, and administrative costs. Additionally, Rs 490 crore is dedicated to new school constructions and major renovations.

Building on the previous year's successful 'Mission SAMPURN', the BMC has introduced 'Mission SAFAL' (Strength, Activities, Futuristic, Ambitious, Learning). This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to incorporate co-curricular activities into the fundamental academic framework. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani emphasized, "Quality education is a right for every child in Mumbai. With Mission SAFAL, we are closing the gap between traditional education and future-ready skills."

The budget emphasizes a robust digital transformation, which includes the allocation of Rs 21.83 crore for distributing 19,317 tablets to Class 9 students and expanding astronomical laboratories to an additional 40 schools. In a groundbreaking initiative, Rs 11.08 crore each has been set aside for both primary and secondary sections to deliver cyber literacy training to 20,000 students in collaboration with the National Forensic Sciences University.

To foster artistic expression, Rs 1.35 crore has been allocated for purchasing musical instruments such as harmoniums, tablas, and synthesizers.

Additionally, to ensure education is both accessible and secure, the BMC has designated Rs 42 crore for the installation and maintenance of CCTV cameras across all school premises.

An investment of Rs 5 crore will be utilized to modernize school libraries, equipping them with resources for competitive examinations.

Students achieving over 90 percent in Class 10 across all boards will qualify for a financial reward of Rs 25,000. The continuation of the free BEST bus travel scheme for students using 'Chalo Cards' comes with an allocation of Rs 8.70 crore.

The BMC anticipates that 57 out of 72 ongoing school construction and repair projects will be completed by March 2026, thereby providing improved facilities for the next academic year.