Budget provision for upgrading polytechnics

New Delhi, July 6 (ANI): Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said that the provisions for the Scheme 'Mission in Education through ICT' has been substantially increased to Rs. 900 crore.

Presenting the Union Budget proposals for the year 2009-10 in Lok Sabha, he said: "Similarly, for establishment and up-gradation for Polytechnics under the Skill Development Mission has been increased to Rs. 495 crore."

He further proposed the enhancement of overall plan budget for higher education by Rs. 2000 crore over Interim Budget Estimates.

The Minister also announced the allocation of Rs. 2,113 crore for IITs and NITs, which includes a provision of Rs. 450 crore for new IITs and NITs. He proposed to allocate Rs. 827 crore for opening one Central University in each uncovered State.

Emphasizing the need for improving the facilities at Punjab University, Chandigarh, he proposed an allocation of Rs. 50 crore for the purpose.

To enable the Union Territory of Chandigarh Administration to provide better infrastructure to the people, he also proposed to enhance Plan allocation for the city during the current Financial year. (ANI)