BMC Unveils Ambitious Rs 4,248 Crore Education Budget for 2026-27
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a substantial education outlay of Rs 4,248.08 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27, marking a significant 7.4% increase over the previous year's budget estimate of Rs 3,955.64 crore. This enhanced allocation underscores the civic body's commitment to revitalizing Mumbai's public education system through a comprehensive suite of modern initiatives.
Major Initiatives and Digital Transformation
The budget encompasses a wide array of programs designed to elevate educational standards. Key highlights include the introduction of National Cadet Corps (NCC) units for students in standards VIII and IX across BMC schools, fostering discipline and leadership skills from an early age. Additionally, the civic body plans to distribute 20,000 tablets to Std IX students and digitize 7,953 classrooms in 1,203 schools with advanced LED interactive panels, ensuring a tech-enabled learning environment.
To bolster language proficiency, 479 English language labs will be established for students from Std VIII to X at a cost of Rs 3.87 crore. Science education will also receive a boost with the upgrade of laboratories in 190 schools and the pilot launch of a science park in two institutions, funded with Rs 5 crore. Following the success of last year's astronomical laboratories in 55 schools, 40 more such facilities will be added this year with an investment of Rs 3 crore.
New CBSE School and Infrastructure Upgrades
In response to growing demand, a new CBSE board school under the Mumbai Public School model will be established at Kondiwita in the K-East ward for the upcoming academic year. Rajshree Shirwadkar, the newly elected chairperson of the BMC education committee, emphasized the positive reception of ICSE and CBSE boards among students and parents, noting that the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum has seen a relatively muted response due to its distinct approach.
Infrastructure development remains a priority, with Rs 340 crore allocated for repairs, reconstruction, and new construction in 72 schools. Security measures will be enhanced through the installation of CCTV cameras in all suburban division school buildings at a cost of Rs 42 crore, complementing last year's coverage in city division schools. Contracts for maintenance, cleaning, and security of 469 school buildings will be awarded with Rs 180 crore.
Support for Arts, Libraries, and Student Welfare
The budget also supports artistic and cultural development. Special coaching classes will be organized for government drawing grade examinations, and three art excellence centers—one each in south Mumbai, eastern suburbs, and western suburbs—will provide specialized training. Schools will be equipped with a variety of musical instruments, including harmonium, tabla, dholki, tarpora, keyboard, flute, manjira, cymbals, conga, and dholak, to enrich extracurricular activities.
Public libraries will receive Rs 39 lakh for upgrades, including competitive exam materials and improved facilities, while the Asiatic Society of Mumbai has been granted Rs 75 lakh. The Scout Guide Camp at Filterpada in Goregaon will also be upgraded with better amenities. Furthermore, the BMC will continue its free bus travel scheme for uniformed students via Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), which benefited 9,627 students last year.
Future Priorities and Administrative Insights
Rajshree Shirwadkar highlighted that the budget was formulated by the administration prior to the new corporators assuming office. She expressed personal commitment to establishing an artificial intelligence lab as a passion project and emphasized the critical goal of preventing the closure of Marathi medium schools by increasing enrollment. "One of my key priorities is to stop the shutting down of Marathi schools, which is possible only if we increase enrolment in Marathi medium schools," she stated, underscoring the need for community engagement and support.
This comprehensive budget reflects the BMC's strategic focus on integrating technology, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting holistic development to ensure that Mumbai's public education system meets contemporary standards and prepares students for future challenges.
