Kerala Budget Allocates ₹50 Crore for Tribal University in Wayanad, Boosts Education and Tourism
The Kerala government's revised Budget for 2026-27, presented on Friday (June 19, 2026), includes several initiatives for the development of Wayanad district, with a focus on higher education, healthcare, infrastructure, tourism, and tribal welfare.
A key proposal is the establishment of a Tribal University and Indigenous Knowledge Zone in Wayanad, for which an initial allocation of ₹50 crore has been made. The university is envisioned as a centre for higher learning, research, and entrepreneurship among tribal communities, with emphasis on indigenous studies, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and skill development. Tribal activist Biju Kakkathode welcomed the move, stating that the Tribal Study Centre would showcase the culture and heritage of tribal communities nationally and preserve their traditional knowledge.
The Budget also introduces the 'Brand Wayanad' concept to promote environmentally sustainable tourism. This initiative aims to strengthen community-based tourism and create livelihood opportunities while preserving the district's ecological character.
Reaffirming its commitment to the district, the UDF government announced the continuation of the Wayanad development package, focusing on education, healthcare, livelihood generation, and measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. The Budget noted that projects under the package would be expedited.
In higher education, ₹2 crore has been allocated for initial steps to establish a Government Arts and Science College in Sulthan Bathery Assembly constituency. Another ₹2 crore has been set aside for preliminary works related to the proposed Nilambur-Nanjangud railway project under the Wayanad package. T.M. Rasheed, convener of the Nilgiri-Wayanad NH and Railway Action Committee, said the allocation could revive the stalled railway project.
The Budget also addressed infrastructure deficiencies at the Government Medical College, Wayanad. The institution has been included in a broader programme under which ₹100 crore has been set aside to improve infrastructure, equipment, and staffing at four underperforming medical colleges in the state.
