25 February,2026 12:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday presented its education budget for the financial year 2026-27, proposing a total outlay of Rs 4,248.08 crore, marking a significant increase from Rs 3,674 crore allocated in 2025-26.
According to the civic body, the revenue budget for 2026-27 is estimated at Rs 3,758.08 crore, up from Rs 3,544.34 crore in the previous fiscal. The capital expenditure has been pegged at Rs 490 crore, compared to Rs 411.30 crore last year, which was later revised to Rs 386.78 crore.
Building on the implementation of Mission SAMPURN under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in 2025-26, the BMC announced the rollout of Mission SAFAL in the upcoming academic year. The initiative aims to integrate co-curricular activities with academic learning to ensure the holistic development of students.
The administration stated that continuous efforts under NEP 2020 have yielded encouraging results, and Mission SAFAL will further strengthen these gains through innovative educational interventions.
A major focus of the budget is on teacher training, digital learning, and student enrichment:
Teacher Training (Rs 2.40 crore): Training programmes will be conducted to equip teachers with updated curriculum knowledge and modern teaching methodologies aligned with NEP 2020.
Library Upgradation (Rs 5 crore): School libraries will be enhanced with academic and competitive exam materials, along with improved infrastructure to promote reading habits.
Meritorious Student Assistance (Rs 19 lakh): Financial aid of Rs 25,000 or tuition fees (whichever is higher) will be provided to top-performing Class 10 students (scoring above 90 per cent) from BMC schools affiliated with boards such as CBSE, ICSE, IB, and Cambridge.
To promote artistic development, the BMC has allocated funds for music education:
Musical Instruments (Rs 1 crore primary, Rs 35 lakh secondary): Instruments such as harmonium, tabla, keyboard, and sound systems will be procured.
Music Teachers Camp: A one-day field camp will be organised for music educators.
Additionally, Road Safety Patrol (RSP) programmes involving 9,480 students and disaster management training for Classes 6-10 will continue, with a combined allocation of Rs 17 lakh.
The civic body has proposed several digital initiatives:
Expansion of astronomical laboratories to 40 more schools (Rs 3 crore).
Distribution of 19,317 tablets to Class 9 students (Rs 21.83 crore combined allocation).
Introduction of gamified learning applications.
Continued rollout of digital classrooms across 7,953 classrooms in 1,203 schools (Rs 24.46 crore combined allocation).
The âJaadui Pitara' (knowledge box) initiative for primary classes will also be expanded with a Rs 2 crore provision.
The BMC has earmarked Rs 340 crore for school infrastructure, including repairs, upgrades, and reconstruction. Out of 72 ongoing works, 57 are expected to be completed by March 2026.
To enhance student safety, Rs 42 crore has been allocated for CCTV installation across school premises.
Free Scholastic Materials (Rs 150.57 crore): Procurement for the next two academic years is underway.
Free BEST Bus Service (Rs 8.70 crore): Over 9,600 students have already benefited from free travel using âChalo Cards'.
Grants to Private Aided Schools: Rs 450 crore has been allocated for salaries and Rs 240 crore for pensions.
The BMC expects Rs 643.80 crore as a 50 per cent grant for primary education and Rs 246.08 crore for secondary education salaries from the state government. However, the civic body noted that dues amounting to Rs 7,241.38 crore remain pending from the state, and follow-ups are ongoing.
Total Budget: Rs 4,248.08 crore
Revenue Expenditure: Rs 3,758.08 crore
Capital Expenditure: Rs 490 crore
