In her Union Budget 2025-26 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined several initiatives aimed at enhancing quality education in rural India, positioning it as a key driver for inclusive growth. The government's focus on investment in human resources was prominently featured, with the announcement of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to be set up across government schools in the next five years. These labs are designed to foster creativity, innovation, and hands-on problem-solving skills among students, particularly in rural areas, where access to such facilities has traditionally been limited.
A major step toward bridging the digital divide came with the announcement to provide broadband connectivity to all government secondary schools and primary health centers in rural areas under the Bharatnet project. This move is expected to enhance digital learning opportunities for students and improve healthcare accessibility in these underserved regions.
The Finance Minister also announced the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, which aims to provide Indian language books in digital formats for both school and higher education. This initiative is set to preserve linguistic diversity while improving access to educational resources in rural India, making learning more relatable and accessible.
Additionally, the government will launch a comprehensive Rural Prosperity and Resilience programme in collaboration with states. This programme focuses on addressing underemployment in agriculture through skilling, technology, and investments aimed at boosting the rural economy. Special emphasis will be placed on creating opportunities for rural women, young farmers, small and marginal farmers, and landless families, ensuring that these communities have the support and resources to thrive.