From Education To Tourism: FM Announces University Hubs, Astronomy Facilities & Training For Tour Guides

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday outlined major initiatives in education, science and tourism while presenting the Union Budget 2026 in the Lok Sabha.

The announcements aim to strengthen learning infrastructure, promote research, and generate employment across the country.

University Townships and Support for Girl Students

To strengthen higher education, the Finance Minister said the government will support states through a competitive "challenge route" to develop five university townships near major industrial and logistics corridors. These townships will include multiple colleges, research institutions, skill development centres and residential facilities, creating integrated academic hubs.

Addressing challenges faced by girl students in STEM education, Sitharaman announced that one girls' hostel will be set up in every district. The project will receive viability gap funding or capital support. She said extended study hours and laboratory work often make it difficult for female students, and the hostels will help create a safer and more supportive learning environment.

Boost to Astronomy and Space Science

The Budget also gave a push to astronomy and astrophysics education. To promote immersive learning experiences, the government will set up and upgrade four major telescope infrastructure facilities.

These include the National Large Solar Telescope, the National Large Optical Infrared Telescope, the Himalayan Chandra Telescope, and the COSMOS-2 planetarium. The initiative is aimed at strengthening India's scientific research capabilities and inspiring interest in space sciences among students.

Tourism as a Driver of Jobs and Local Growth

Sitharaman highlighted tourism as a key sector for employment generation and local economic growth. She announced the creation of a National Institute of Hospitality by upgrading the existing National Council for Hotel Management. The new institute will act as a bridge between academia, industry and the government.

She also proposed a pilot scheme to train 10,000 tourist guides across 20 iconic destinations. The guides will undergo a standardised, high-quality 12-week training programme in hybrid mode, in collaboration with the Indian Institutes of Management.

Digital Knowledge Grid and Sustainable Mountain Tourism

To preserve and promote India's cultural and heritage assets, the Finance Minister announced the creation of a Digital Knowledge Grid. The platform will digitally document places of cultural, spiritual and historical importance. Sitharaman said this initiative will open up new job opportunities for researchers, historians, content creators and technology partners.

She also spoke about India's potential in adventure tourism. To promote eco-friendly travel, the government will develop ecologically sustainable mountain trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir. These trails are expected to boost trekking and hiking tourism while protecting fragile mountain ecosystems.

With these announcements, Budget 2026 places strong emphasis on education-led growth, scientific advancement and sustainable tourism, while aiming to create new opportunities for students, researchers and local communities across India.