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The Union Budget of India, particularly its allocation towards education, is a subject of considerable discussion and anticipation. The 2024 budget allocated a significant Rs 1.48 lakh crore to education, employment, and skilling, with the Department of School Education and Literacy receiving the lion's share. While this represents a considerable investment, comparative analysis reveals that India's allocation to education, despite exceeding 4% of its GDP, lags behind developed nations like the US (5%), Canada (5.5%), and Germany (4.8%). This shortfall highlights the pressing need for increased investment in India's education system to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy and globalized job market.
The incremental growth in education budget allocations over the years, while noteworthy, remains insufficient to address the multifaceted challenges facing India's education sector. The ongoing implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The NEP's emphasis on digital education and skill development requires substantial financial backing to ensure its successful rollout and widespread impact. Experts consistently highlight the need to bridge the gap between educational outcomes and the requirements of the modern job market. A highly skilled workforce is crucial for economic growth and national development. Therefore, a significant increase in budgetary allocation is not merely desirable but essential to effectively implement NEP 2020's ambitious goals.
Several key areas require immediate and substantial investment. Poshak Agrawal, Co-founder of Athena Education, emphasizes the need for enhanced digital infrastructure to support online learning, improve the quality of online education experiences and accessibility. This includes investments in technology, resources, and teacher training to effectively integrate technology into the curriculum. Furthermore, significant funding for teacher training programs is critical. These programs should focus on upskilling educators in pedagogical approaches and integrating technology into their teaching methodologies. The need to produce a workforce equipped for the demands of the 21st century cannot be overstated. Skill development programs that align with industry needs must be a priority. These programs need to provide students with the practical and theoretical skills that employers actively seek. Investing in these programs will lead to graduates that are more likely to succeed in the job market.
Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, reinforces the significance of empowering educators through robust teacher training and capacity-building initiatives. He advocates for professional development workshops, advanced certifications, and the integration of innovative pedagogical tools. He rightfully points out that the Union Budget must serve as a catalyst for advancing the NEP 2020's goals by prioritizing digital education, skill development, teacher training, and critical infrastructure upgrades. The ambitious goal of achieving a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2035, a significant increase from the current 28.3% (as of June 2024), necessitates substantial and sustained investment. Without this level of commitment, the NEP 2020's objectives will remain unrealized, hindering India's potential for economic growth and social progress.
In conclusion, the Union Budget 2025 presents a pivotal moment for India's education system. A failure to significantly increase the allocation for education will not only hinder the successful implementation of the NEP 2020 but will also limit India's potential for long-term economic prosperity. The focus must shift from incremental increases to a substantial investment reflecting the urgent need to create a highly skilled and educated workforce capable of competing in a rapidly changing global landscape. The budget must prioritize not only the quantity of funding but also its strategic allocation to key areas identified by experts – digital infrastructure, robust teacher training programs, and industry-aligned skill development initiatives. Only with such a commitment can India effectively harness the transformative power of education to achieve its ambitious national goals.
Source: Union Budget 2025: What The Budget Means For India's Education System