MGU presents its annual Budget

The annual Budget for Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) for 2026-27 places a heightened focus on skill-based education and entrepreneurship.

The Budget, presented recently by P. Harikrishnan, convener of the finance subcommittee of the Syndicate, envisages a revenue of ₹658.7 crore, an expenditure of ₹685.7 crore, and a deficit of ₹27 crore.

According to MGU Vice-Chancellor C. T. Aravindakumar, the Budget aims to identify research ideas aligned with industrial needs and to facilitate the development of innovative technologies. Dedicated research centres will be established to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), with scope for collaboration with other universities, government agencies and industry partners. A special fund will also be earmarked for enterprises that leverage AI.

Constituent College

The university has also initiated steps to establish the State’s first Constituent College, subject to government approval. Plans are in place to integrate high-quality teaching and research and to introduce emerging areas of knowledge. The Budget offers a proposal to establish a community radio station under the University.

An international 3D printing and bioprinting centre will be set up at the university to support research advancements in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and life sciences.

The Budget also envisages conducting a feasibility study in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) to explore the possibility of a satellite launch programme. Joint degree programmes will be launched in collaboration with national and international universities. In anticipation of the phasing out of the affiliation system, international schools will be established to offer globally relevant and contemporary programmes and curricula.

To enable students enrolled in the four-year undergraduate programmes to demonstrate competencies through hands-on training and to promote skill oriented learning, the Budget proposes the development of micro-industrial production units within the university campus.

In addition, MGU plans to collaborate with start-ups on a company model to commercialise the expertise of its IT department by converting it into software products, thereby generating revenue.