HP Technical University Hamirpur Approves Rs. 76.07 Crore Budget to Boost Research, Innovation, and Student Development.
Shimla:
In a landmark move for technical education in the state, the Himachal Pradesh Technical University, Hamirpur, has approved an ambitious annual budget of Rs. 76.07 crore for the financial year 2026–27. The budget, passed after thorough deliberations in a Finance Committee meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor and Secretary of Technical Education Dr. Abhishek Jain, was also ratified by the University’s Board of Directors.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu lauded the university for its progressive approach, emphasizing that its focus extends beyond traditional education. “The university aims to foster innovation, research skills, and participation in co-curricular activities, ensuring holistic development of students,” he stated. He highlighted that the new budget would facilitate entrepreneurship development, industrial exposure, and practical training, preparing students to become self-reliant professionals.
Dr. Abhishek Jain revealed that the university plans to launch Ph.D. programs, which will be implemented across affiliated institutions, strengthening the research culture in Himachal Pradesh and raising the standards of higher education.
The budget introduces a dedicated allocation for research and innovation for the first time. Rs. 3 crore has been earmarked for modern laboratories, equipment, and technical infrastructure, while Rs. 1 crore is allocated for books, e-books, and research journals. This demonstrates the university’s commitment to quality enhancement and fostering a culture of academic excellence.
Further initiatives include the introduction of honorary Ph.D. degrees to recognize outstanding contributions in academia, research, industry, and society. To promote research supervision, each Ph.D. guide will receive an incentive of Rs. 50,000 upon the successful completion of a scholar’s research work. Comprehensive guidelines covering structure, regulations, eligibility, admission, and evaluation will be prepared for the smooth implementation of the Ph.D. program.
The budget also places strong emphasis on students’ holistic development. Funding for sports and cultural activities has been more than doubled from Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 55 lakh. For the first time, provisions have been made for student clubs, campus placements, soft skills development, industrial training, gender sensitivity, and incentives for students and faculty.
Entrepreneurship and industry-oriented initiatives have received significant support, with Rs. 2 crore allocated for entrepreneurship development programs and Rs. 1 crore for industrial exposure and training. Additionally, Rs. 70 lakh has been set aside for student activities and skill development, reflecting the university’s shift from merely preparing students for jobs to enabling them to become job creators.
The approved budget underscores Technical University Hamirpur’s commitment to blending academic rigor with practical skills, research excellence, and innovation, setting a strong foundation for the future of technical education in Himachal Pradesh.
