Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman underscored the remarkable growth in India’s education and defence sectors since 2014 during a Lok Sabha discussion on the Supplementary Demands for Grants (First Batch) for 2025-26. Speaking on December 15, she emphasized that such extensive development was made possible through consistent and increased government funding.
In response to opposition leader Deepender Singh Hooda’s comments about allocations for defence and education, Sitharaman pointed to the government’s financial commitment as a key driver of progress. She stated, “Without money, these kinds of developments cannot happen,” reinforcing that investment is crucial for growth across various sectors.
Sitharaman highlighted significant improvements in education, noting that the number of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) has risen from 16 in 2014 to 23 today. Furthermore, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) increased from 13 to 21, while Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) expanded from 9 to 25, with 16 new IIITs established. Central Universities grew from 40 to 48, and in healthcare education, AIIMS institutions expanded from 7 to 12, with a total of 16 approved and 12 already operational.
On the defence front, she revealed that the government has allocated ₹53.83 lakh crore to the sector since 2014-15, reflecting a 174% increase compared to prior years. Indigenous defence production reached ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24, indicating a successful push towards self-reliance.
Additionally, around 16,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have emerged in defence manufacturing, with 788 industrial licenses issued to 442 companies, highlighting increased private sector involvement.
Sitharaman also remarked on the dramatic surge in defence exports, stating that figures have jumped from approximately ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to around ₹24,400 crore in 2025. She recalled that previous defence ministers had cited funding shortages, but emphasized that the current administration has transformed that narrative.
In conclusion, Sitharaman asserted that the expansion of infrastructure in education, defence, and research showcases the government’s long-term vision and prioritization of financial resources, aimed at bolstering India’s capabilities and its standing on the global stage.
Original Source: https://www.sentinelassam.com/topheadlines/nirmala-sitharaman-highlights-education-and-defence-expansion-since-2014-in-lok-sabha
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Publish Date: 2025-12-17 16:30:00
