Nagpur: The Nagpur University (NU) on Friday presented a Rs733.40 crore revenue and Rs855.88 crore expenditure Budget for 2026–27, projecting a deficit of Rs122.48 crore. The budget was approved with revisions.Presenting the Budget before the senate, management council member Nilkanth Lanje said the university is striving to balance expanding academic, infrastructure and student welfare needs despite limited financial resources. He noted that the 2025–26 deficit originally projected at Rs81.11 crore was reduced to Rs28.32 crore through austerity measures and financial discipline.Infrastructure development forms a major component of the Budget, with Rs76.10 crore earmarked for construction works across the campus. Major projects include Rs33 crore for an indoor stadium, Rs8 crore for campus development, Rs1 crore each for physical education department, pharmacology department, examination complex, guest house and girls’ hostel, and Rs1 crore for completion of the new administrative building.The Budget also provides Rs40 lakh for new building of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar School of Law, Rs50 lakh each for advanced skill development centre and technology and energy park, and Rs1 crore for Guru Nanak Bhavan and lifelong learning and extension department, besides Rs90 lakh under the PM-USHA scheme.The university also earmarked Rs27.05 crore for repair and maintenance of academic buildings, hostels, libraries and sanitation facilities.The examination section, one of the most sensitive wings of the university, is expected to generate Rs51.19 crore in revenue, while Rs59.62 crore in expenditure was proposed. To minimise manual intervention and improve efficiency, Rs6 crore was allocated for computerisation and development of the university’s own ERP system.Due to shortage of regular faculty, the university proposed Rs3.35 crore for contract teachers and Rs10.33 crore for clock-hour basis teachers. To promote research activities, Rs4 crore was earmarked for research projects for teachers of the university and affiliated colleges.Student welfare received considerable attention in the Budget. Provisions include Rs2 crore for scholarships, Rs14 lakh for educational tours, Rs3 crore for student welfare schemes and coaching programmes, and Rs95 lakh for student assistance, medical aid and welfare funds, along with Rs4 lakh for the student facilitation centre. The university also proposed strengthening its health services by appointing two doctors, two nurses and a psychiatrist at the campus health centre to support physical and mental wellbeing of students and staff.The Budget further provides Rs31 lakh for tribal study centre and skill development programmes.Several academic and cultural initiatives are also planned. These include Rs1 crore for a National Book Fair, Rs20 lakh for Nagpur Film Festival, Rs30 lakh for environmental initiatives, and Rs15 lakh for a science fair.In addition, the university earmarked Rs25 lakh for training, counselling and job fairs, Rs20 lakh for awards for students, teachers and researchers, Rs10 lakh for international relations and collaboration office, and Rs10 lakh for the university–industry interaction and training centre.Other allocations include Rs4 lakh for the SWAYAM–NPTEL contact centre, Rs1 lakh for Swami Vivekananda Youth and Dialogue Centre, Rs5 lakh for the Centre for Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems, Rs1 crore for workshops, seminars and national and international conferences, Rs10 lakh as travel assistance for such conferences, and Rs50 lakh for incubation centres and NAAC-related initiatives in affiliated colleges. The Budget also earmarked Rs2 crore for the RUSA centre.The university administration said efforts will be made to reduce the deficit by controlling non-essential expenditure, increasing admissions in university departments, introducing employment-oriented courses and generating revenue through consultancy using scientific equipment. NU also plans to install solar energy systems to reduce electricity costs and explore CSR funding and alumni contributions, while continuing efforts to secure govt support for major infrastructure projects.Senate member Manmohan Bajpai said the allocation for student welfare and the proposed new examination section building is inadequate, adding that the Budget made no provision for a swimming pool or cultural activities at the university.
