Budget 2023 is going to be presented after two days and this budget will change the education system of the country because the government has made this plan, let us know in detail
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is going to present the Union Budget for the financial year 2023-24 on 1 February. India is marching ahead in the face of contemporary global economic challenges. Estimates are being made by the government and experts that if the pace at which the Indian economy is progressing, if this pace continues, then our country can become a superpower shortly. Meanwhile, it is imperative to keep in mind that the role of education is important to keep moving forward in this direction. Let us also tell you that India is a developing nation, the budget for the education sector has always been minimal and diversion of funds has been common. Today it is considered very important to strengthen the education sector for the development of the Indian economy. In such a situation, the question arises that what measures should be taken in this year's budget, which will strengthen the education sector. Experts and economists have set seven priorities to strengthen the education sector. Come, let's know about those seven majorities...
Increase in public investment in education
If experts are to be believed, the Education Commission (1964-66) recommended that at least 6 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) should be spent on education, to create a noticeable rate of increase in educational achievements. The National Education Policy, 2020 (NEP) also emphasized raising public investment in education to 6 percent of GDP. However, it is a matter of fact that India's education budget has never touched this level. It is still hovering around half of the required percentage. The education sector is growing on a massive scale, so funds should be allocated commensurate with its market size and growth dynamics. We hope that the upcoming budget promises substantial public investment in education to take young India on the path of unprecedented growth.
Amendment in GST related to educational services
Experts say that it cannot be denied that taxes are imperative for the government to generate revenue, which in turn is used to provide subsidies to the poorer categories. But, to achieve the objective of increasing the Gross Enrollment Ratio at various levels of education, one can expect that the government will drastically reduce the GST on educational services or make it a Will be completely removed for the specified period.
Budget allocation for teacher training and internationalization of higher education
Experts say that the budget allocation for teacher training and adult education was 250 crores in 2021-22, which has come down to 127 crores in 2022-23. Even though the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) saw an increase of 6000 crores in the budgetary allocation in 2022-23, it was still less than the allocation in 2020-21. So, it can be expected that this year teacher training and SSA will get more budget for the effective implementation of NEP 2020.
Along with this, the allocation of funds to train Anganwadi workers to receive ideal ECC (Early Childhood Care) training is essential if pre-primary education is to be integrated with mainstream education as proposed by NEP 2020. The NEP also prescribes various measures to promote India as a global study destination.
Facilitating formal partnerships with reputed universities abroad to offer online and hybrid degree programs to achieve the Gross Enrollment Ratio targets set by the government is relevant for consideration this year. It can be expected that the government will allocate adequate funds to strengthen the internationalization of higher education as envisaged in NEP 2020.
Digitization
Digital universities can help in increasing enrollment at the tertiary level of education. By providing education in various Indian languages and ICT formats, the Digital University will immensely benefit the student community. The government is expected to materialize the idea of a digital university as envisaged in its last year's budget (2022-23), to ensure that students across the country have access to world-class quality universal education with personalized learning experiences at their doorsteps Can go PSL benefit should also be extended to startups which aim to digitize schools at minimum cost. These startups should be encouraged and proper credit lines should be provided. The upcoming budget should include a special allocation for making AR/VR labs and robotics in every school. It should give tax incentives for the digital education sector.
Schemes to promote tertiary education
India's education system is in the form of a pyramid, with a broad base representing enrollment in primary education and a narrow apex representing tertiary education. For a huge increase in enrollment at the tertiary level of education, it can be expected that the government will allocate sufficient funds for tertiary education for attractive loan schemes and scholarships.
Promotion of girl child education
Apart from tertiary education, India also faces the challenge of the gender gap in educational attainments. This gap is detrimental to the growth objectives of the Indian economy. 'Amrit Kaal' can be experienced in its true form only when all girls and women get quality education, which is their human right. The hope is that the government will allocate additional funds for girl child education, so that gender equality in education can be ensured.
Allocation of funds for enhancing the mental health of students
The Kovid-19 pandemic and the lockdown have created a sense of fear and anxiety across the world. The incident has resulted in short-term as well as long-term psychosocial and mental health effects for children and adolescents. The hope is that the government will introduce more welfare schemes like Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-Manas), which was introduced in last year's budget to help students develop coping strategies and build resilience. This will create a conducive environment for learning. In this financial year's budget, emphasis is expected on the development of the education sector which will take India on the high growth path. Knowledgeable and skilled people will accelerate the pace of the economic development of India.
