New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a sweeping social and educational infrastructure plan Sunday, headlined by a commitment to establish a dedicated girls' hostel in every district across the nation.

With more than 700 districts currently spanning the country, the initiative marks a major expansion of residential support for female students.

The policy rollout also turned its focus to the agricultural and medical sectors. Sitharaman proposed a new capital subsidy scheme tied to loans, aimed at bolstering the development of veterinary hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and specialised colleges.

In a move to modernise traditional healthcare, the Minister announced comprehensive upgrades for Ayush-related pharmacies and drug testing facilities. This includes support for the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Centre for Traditional Medicine located in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Furthermore, the central government intends to facilitate the creation of five university townships. Sitharaman noted these academic hubs will be strategically developed "in the vicinity of major industrial logistics centres" to better integrate education with industrial hubs.

With inputs from PTI