Dr. Shikha Mishra
From Dropouts to Degrees: Budget 2026 Backs Girls in STEM
New Delhi: In a major push to increase women’s participation in higher education, especially in science and technology, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced the construction of one girls’ hostel in every district for students pursuing STEM courses—Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Presenting the Union Budget 2026, the Finance Minister said the initiative aims to address a key barrier faced by girl students—lack of safe and affordable accommodation, particularly during laboratory work, late classes and internships. The move is expected to significantly reduce dropout rates and enable students to spend more time in classrooms and laboratories.
According to the proposal, modern, well-equipped hostels will be built in all districts across the country—around 800 in total. The Centre will provide capital support for the construction of these facilities, ensuring uniform standards of safety, accessibility and basic infrastructure.
Officials said the initiative is designed to create a secure and supportive learning environment, encouraging more girls to opt for science and technology streams and continue their education beyond school. “Safe accommodation is critical for retaining women in STEM courses, where academic demands often extend beyond regular hours,” a senior official said.
The hostel scheme is part of a broader strategy to strengthen India’s education ecosystem with a strong focus on future-ready skills and gender inclusion.
Other Key Education Announcements
The Budget also unveiled several major education initiatives aimed at empowering the youth. These include the establishment of a new National Institute of Design (NID) in the Northeast, the development of five new university townships, and the setting up of ABGC (Atal Bharat Gyan Centres) laboratories in 15,000 schools across the country.
In addition, the government announced plans for a National Institute of Hospitality, aimed at skill development and employment generation in the tourism and service sectors.
Together, these measures reflect the government’s emphasis on inclusive growth, skill development and innovation-driven education. Education experts have welcomed the announcements, particularly the girls’ hostel scheme, calling it a “structural reform” that could transform women’s participation in STEM fields and strengthen India’s future workforce.
