The Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur, has approved a ₹76.07 crore budget for the financial year 2026–27, with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and skill development.
The decision was taken in a Finance Committee meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor and Secretary of Technical Education, Dr. Abhishek Jain, and later endorsed by the University’s Board of Directors.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the university is working to move beyond traditional teaching by promoting innovation, research, and co-curricular engagement. He added that the budget would support both academic growth and overall student development.
The university plans to introduce Ph.D. programmes across its campus and affiliated institutions to strengthen the research ecosystem in the state.
Key allocations include ₹3 crore for modern laboratories and infrastructure, and ₹1 crore for books, e-resources, and research journals. Dedicated funding has also been set aside for research and innovation for the first time.
To encourage research, Ph.D. supervisors will receive an incentive of ₹50,000 upon successful completion of a scholar’s work, and honorary Ph.D. degrees will be awarded to distinguished contributors in various fields.
The budget also increases funding for sports and cultural activities from ₹25 lakh to ₹55 lakh, while introducing provisions for student clubs, placements, soft skills, and industrial training.
In a push toward entrepreneurship, ₹2 crore has been allocated for startup development and ₹1 crore for industrial exposure and training. An additional ₹70 lakh will support student activities and skill development initiatives.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
