Government to construct new buildings for 25 colleges, expand courses, and strengthen infrastructure under NEP 2020 and PM-USHA initiatives.
Published on: March 13, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has approved grant demands exceeding ₹1,306 crore for the Higher Education Department for the financial year 2026–27. The proposal was presented by Higher Education Minister Tank Ram Verma, who said the allocation reflects the state government’s commitment to strengthening higher education infrastructure and expanding access to quality learning across the state.
Replying to the discussion on the budget demands in the assembly, the minister said education is the foundation of social, economic, and intellectual development. He emphasized that the government aims to provide every student in the state with modern, quality, and employment-oriented higher education opportunities.
According to the minister, the Higher Education Department will implement a total of 37 schemes during the financial year 2026–27, focusing on expansion, quality improvement, and infrastructure development in universities and colleges across the state.
Increased Support for Tribal and SC-Dominated Areas
The government has increased financial allocations for educational development in tribal and socially disadvantaged regions. The budget provision for Scheduled Tribe-dominated areas has been raised from ₹230.36 crore in 2025–26 to ₹249.61 crore in 2026–27. Similarly, allocations for Scheduled Caste-dominated regions have increased from ₹103.10 crore to ₹120.23 crore.
The minister said the government is working toward transforming the state into a developed region by 2047, aligning with the national vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under this framework, the state has adopted the GYAN development model, which focuses on the welfare of the poor, youth, farmers, and women.
Expansion of Colleges and New Courses
The number of colleges in the state has increased from 335 in 2024–25 to 343 in 2025–26. During the current year, eight new undergraduate colleges have been established, including institutions specializing in music, law, and physical education.
To improve access to higher education in remote tribal areas, the government has proposed the establishment of a new B.Ed. (ITEP) program in Khadgawa in Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district and a new college in Suhela in Balodabazar-Bhatapara. A budget provision of ₹1.30 crore has been made for these initiatives.
Additionally, ₹1.40 crore has been allocated to introduce new academic subjects at Sarguja University and to upgrade colleges in Ramchandrapur and Gharghoda to postgraduate institutions.
New Buildings for 25 Colleges
A major highlight of the budget is the construction of new buildings for 25 colleges across the state. The government has made a significant budget provision for infrastructure development to ensure better academic facilities and improved learning environments.
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In addition, ₹4.05 crore has been allocated for the construction of additional classrooms in six colleges.
Auditorium and Hostel Facilities
The government has also allocated ₹1.80 crore for infrastructure development projects including the construction of an auditorium in Kohka–Nevra–Tilda, a hostel in Bhanupratappur, and a boundary wall for the hostel of a college in Dhamtari. These facilities are expected to provide a safer and more supportive academic environment for students from remote areas.
Colleges to Be Developed as Centres of Excellence
Under a state initiative to transform selected institutions into Centres of Excellence, 36 government colleges will be developed in a phased manner. In the financial year 2025–26, 25 colleges were selected, while an additional five colleges will be supported in 2026–27 with an allocation of ₹3 crore per college.
Focus on Quality Through NAAC Evaluation
To strengthen quality standards in higher education, the state has established a State-Level Quality Assurance Cell. So far, 200 government colleges and five state universities have successfully undergone evaluation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council.
Implementation of National Education Policy 2020
The state government has implemented the National Education Policy 2020 across 335 government colleges, 321 private colleges, eight state universities, and 18 private universities.
The policy promotes multidisciplinary education, a multi-entry and multi-exit academic structure, and skill-based courses. Under this framework, the state has introduced 42 skill enhancement courses and 108 generic elective and ability enhancement courses.
Strengthening Institutions Under PM-USHA
Under the PM-USHA initiative, 12 government colleges have received assistance of ₹5 crore each, while three universities have been granted ₹20 crore each.
Additionally, Shaheed Mahendra Karma University has received approval for ₹100 crore under the MERU (Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities) scheme to strengthen research and academic development.
Gender Inclusion and Student Welfare
Under the Gender Inclusion and Equity Initiative, districts including Rajnandgaon, Surguja, Dhamtari, Balodabazar, and Kabirdham have been provided ₹10 crore each to promote women’s education and ensure safer educational environments.
Minister Tank Ram Verma said the government’s objective is to provide equitable, high-quality, and employment-oriented education to young people in the state, enabling them to contribute to both their personal growth and the overall development of Chhattisgarh.
