The annual budget for Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) for the 2025-26 financial year highlights a strong emphasis on empowering students through innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic sustainability. Presented by Financial Sub-Committee Convenor P. Harikrishnan at the Syndicate meeting chaired by Vice Chancellor Dr. C.T. Aravindakumar, the budget projects a revenue of ₹650.87 crore and an expenditure of ₹672.74 crore, resulting in a revenue deficit of ₹21.86 crore.
The financial plan includes a comprehensive suite of initiatives aimed at fostering student-driven innovation and entrepreneurship. A key feature of the budget is the allocation of ₹1 crore to promote entrepreneurial ventures among students. This fund will support the conversion of innovative ideas into viable projects and assist in turning student-driven concepts into successful startups. Each department of the university will be tasked with developing at least one innovative idea into a project, with ₹50 lakh earmarked for this initiative. As these startups progress to industrialisation, the university will retain a share of the profits, said the Vice Chancellor.
The Business Innovation and Incubation Center will play a central role in nurturing these entrepreneurial initiatives. To further support this effort, ₹50 lakh has been allocated for incubating innovative student projects. Additionally, the university will establish a technology data bank to compile successful startup ideas, patents, and research outcomes. ₹10 lakh has been designated for the creation of patent and research galleries within this initiative. In line with its vision for a sustainable and self-sufficient campus, the university will also invest in clean energy solutions. ₹5 crore has been allocated to establish a fully solar-powered campus, including the installation of solar panels and solar water heaters across university buildings. The surplus energy generated will be sold to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). Furthermore, ₹25 lakh will be dedicated to harnessing energy from organic waste.
A new Entrepreneurship Park will be established with an investment of ₹1 crore, designed to assist students in developing and testing new technologies. This park will serve as a hub for creativity and innovation, fostering hands-on experiences for aspiring entrepreneurs.As part of its cultural and educational heritage initiatives, MGU will inaugurate a Gandhi Museum next year. With ₹10 lakh allocated, the museum will showcase significant information, books, photographs, films, and documentaries related to Mahatma Gandhi. Additionally, a study center focused on the Constitution and Parliamentary Studies will be created in honor of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, with ₹10 lakh allocated for its development. The university will also open a School of Digital Media and Visual Studies in memory of former Vice Chancellor U.R. Ananthamurthy, with ₹5 lakh earmarked for the project.
In its pursuit of digital transformation, MGU plans to make its examination system fully online. To facilitate this, ₹1 crore has been allocated for digitising answer sheets and ensuring timely declaration of results. The university is also committed to improving its infrastructure. ₹11.25 crore has been set aside for the development of study departments, while ₹4.75 crore will be allocated for selected inter-school centers. To support the growing demand for modern facilities, ₹3 crore will be invested in the construction of a multi-purpose convention center.
Recognising the importance of staff welfare, MGU will set aside ₹5 crore for the first phase of a retirement benefits fund for university employees. Additionally, ₹90 lakh will be allocated for continuous training programs aimed at enhancing the professional development of faculty and non-teaching staff, particularly with the introduction of the new four-year undergraduate courses.
The university will organise a Global Academic Carnival in April-May to showcase academic opportunities to students and parents. ₹20 lakh has been allocated for the event, with an additional ₹20 lakh for travel grants to faculty members attending academic programs. A fellowship fund will be established to encourage research excellence, with ₹10 lakh allocated for international degree programs, twinning degrees, and offshore campuses in collaboration with global educational institutions.
Other key initiatives include the creation of a centralised online data bank for syllabi and new programs, wellness programs for staff, and an academic gallery to celebrate the contributions of former Vice Chancellors. ₹5 lakh will be allocated for these projects, which aim to enhance the university’s academic infrastructure and community engagement.
