Sitharaman Unveils Girls' Hostels, Education Townships in Union Budget 2026

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026, her ninth consecutive budget, from Kartavya Bhawan.
• The budget includes a plan to establish one girls' hostel in every district across the country to support female students in higher education, especially in STEM fields.
• Sitharaman announced the development of five new university townships and the setting up of the National Institute of Hospitality.
• The initiative aims to provide safe and accessible accommodation, improving enrolment and retention of women in advanced scientific disciplines.
• The budget also proposes telescope infrastructure facilities to promote astrophysics and astronomy through immersive experiences.

Why It Matters: Union Budget 2026 focuses on women's education with girls' hostels in every district and new university townships.