THRISSUR: With the increase in the allocation for the Ministry of Ayush from 2845.77 crores to 3647.50 crores in the Union Budget, the way is being paved for the establishment of All India Institute of Ayurveda in Kerala. There was an increase of 802 crores in allocation.

Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had earlier informed Dr V Sivadasan MP in the Rajya Sabha that the Union AYUSH Ministry would set up an Institute of Ayurveda if the state government submitted a proposal.

The central budget allocation for the National AYUSH Mission has been increased by 50 per cent from Rs 800 crore to Rs 1200 crore. Research will be promoted through Ayush Research Councils. 380 crore has been earmarked for Ayurvedic research. 150 crores of this goes to the research institute Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences.

A 20 percent increase in the budget of the AYUSH sector will lead to comprehensive development. A total of 971 crores was allocated, but the amount for central schemes was reduced from 250 crores to 186 crores.

Priority for Idukki

The Govt Ayurveda Medical College starting at Idukki can be upgraded as an Institute of Ayurveda. More grants can be obtained this way. Kerala Kaumudi had reported that Kerala did not submit a plan for an Institute of Ayurveda.

An All India Institute of Ayurveda will be possible if the state government submits the proposal and considers the Ayush sector in the next full budget.

Dr. D. Ramanathan

General Secretary

Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organization of India.