Ahmedabad: In a major push to strengthen higher education infrastructure, the Gujarat government has announced targeted funding for high-performing government colleges based on their National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) performance.
Under the provisions of the 2026–27 state budget, the government has earmarked ₹50 crore to develop selected institutions into model colleges, aiming to modernize academic facilities and improve research output.
₹2 Crore Each for 25 Government Colleges Across Gujarat
Following the announcement, the education department has released ₹2 crore each to 25 government colleges across the state. This includes four colleges located in Ahmedabad.
The initiative is designed to:
- Upgrade academic infrastructure
- Improve research facilities
- Introduce technology-enabled learning systems
- Enhance overall quality of higher education
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Strong Focus on Digital and Smart Education Infrastructure
A significant portion of the funding will be used to build a modern digital ecosystem in colleges.
Digital Upgradation Plan
Around ₹7.5 crore collectively will be spent on:
- Computer labs and IT infrastructure
- Improved networking systems
- E-books and digital libraries
- Online journals and academic resources
- Automation systems
These upgrades aim to accelerate the shift toward smart and digitally enabled campuses.
Multipurpose Seminar Halls to Strengthen Academic Activities
Approximately ₹11.3 crore has been allocated for constructing multipurpose halls across institutions.
Each hall will feature:
- Air conditioning systems
- Projectors and audio-visual equipment
- Seating capacity for around 150 people
These spaces will be used for seminars, workshops, and academic events.
₹2.5 Crore for Innovation and Startup Incubation Centres
To promote entrepreneurship and research-driven learning, the government has allocated nearly ₹2.5 crore for incubation centres in colleges.
These centres will:
- Support student startups
- Encourage innovation projects
- Strengthen industry-academia collaboration
Smart Classrooms and Advanced Laboratories
The initiative includes major investments in teaching and research facilities.
Key Allocations:
- ₹12.5 crore for smart classrooms with advanced audio-visual systems
- ₹12.5 crore for upgrading departmental laboratories and research infrastructure
These upgrades aim to enhance practical learning and scientific research capabilities.
Institutional Management Systems and Digital Governance
To improve administrative efficiency, ₹3.8 crore has been approved for implementing institutional management systems across selected colleges.
These systems will streamline:
- Academic operations
- Student records management
- Administrative processes
Strict Procurement Rules and Monitoring Framework
The government has mandated that all equipment procurement must be done through approved government procurement portals.
Key conditions include:
- No additional manpower burden for maintenance
- Strict compliance with procurement guidelines
- Standardized implementation across institutions
The Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat (KCG) has been appointed as the nodal agency to oversee execution and ensure timely implementation of the project.
This ₹50 crore initiative marks a significant step toward transforming government colleges in Gujarat into modern, research-driven model institutions. With strong emphasis on digital infrastructure, innovation, and academic excellence, the programme is expected to significantly improve the quality of higher education in the state.
