Bhubaneswar: Minister for ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare, Nityananda Gond, on Thursday said the State government has prepared the 2026-27 budget with a focus on improving education, livelihood, and social development of tribal communities, SC, minorities, and backward classes.
He made the remarks while addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar.
The department has received a total budget allocation of Rs 6,649 crore 33 lakh 12 thousand for the financial year 2026-27, Gond said.
The allocation includes Rs 5,400 crore for programme expenditure and over Rs 1,249 crore for administrative expenditure. The budget shows an increase of about three per cent compared with the previous year. Out of the programme expenditure, Rs 3,610 crore has been allocated for state sector schemes, Rs 190 crore for central sector schemes, and Rs 1,600 crore for centrally sponsored schemes, according to a government release.
The government has placed strong emphasis on education, the minister noted. The budget proposes Rs 2,094 crore to provide scholarships to about 23 lakh students. Students from SC, ST, and backward classes will receive support through the Chief Minister Medhabi Student Incentive Scheme and central scholarship programmes. The government has also increased the amount under the pre-matric scholarship to support students’ food and essential needs.
The state currently runs 1,765 schools for tribal and SC students. Among them, 1,615 are residential schools, and 150 are non-residential schools. Nearly 4.38 lakh students study in these institutions. The state also operates 5,967 hostels, where around 5.52 lakh students stay and pursue their education. The budget provides additional funds for food, study materials, and other facilities.
