Mysore in the Union Budget 2008

University of Mysore: a centre of excellence

Union Budget 2008 has given a pleasant surprise that warms the hearts of Mysoreans. University of Mysore is given a special grant of Rs. 100 crores and will be developed as a centre of excellence. Such a special grant signifies the importance given to Mysore as a seat of learning. Two other institutions of excellences with such a grant have been identified in the Budget 2008, Mahatma Phule Kashi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, and Delhi University, Delhi. Thus, Mysore's University of Mysore shares a special status with these universities.

This is of course in line with the laudable policy decision to promote skill levels that are vital to have a vibrant knowledge economy. Education has been given a special thrust in Budget 2008, the outlay is a good Rs. 34,400 crores to address the problem of unemployment and quality retention faced by the country.

The increase in status of University of Mysore as a centre of excellence, will boost the educational ecosystem in Mysore as a whole. It will provide a fillip to the educational activities, the learning atmosphere, and will boost "student or educational tourism" too. Paying guest business, and generally speaking - the commerce activity too will get a boost.

The Rs. 15,000 crores non-profit corporation

Another point in the budget of 2008, is that a fund of Rs. 15,000 crores fund is being created to set up a non-profit corporation for skill development. Mysore should eye to be a participant in this fund through its educational ecosystem - which includes the only women's engineering college in Karnataka located in Mysore (GSSS Institute of Technology and Engineering for Women).

The soft power fund

It is interesting to note that Union Budget 2008 has proposed a fund of Rs. 75 crores to promote the soft power of India through the Indian Council of Cultural Relations. It is an interesting strategy as soft power is very important in international relations and world commerce. The Union Finance Minister's speech mentions Indian music, dance, literature, art, cuisine, and films as soft power components. However, Ayurveda and Yoga are also vital elements of soft power of India. And Mysore is a treasure of all the elements of soft power of India, including Ayurveda and Yoga. Through this soft power fund, Mysore can surely boost the tourism prospects.

There is a good spot light on Mysore in the Union Budget 2008, may this trend increase!! I got the above image from HERE.