Education sector calls for increase in public expenditure in upcoming Union Budget

It is important to create a conducive regulatory environment to attract both private and foreign investment.

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Education sector calls for a conducive regulatory framework for private investors

Our higher education institutions have been successful in producing qualified talent for the IT and applied IT space in the last 2 decades.  The focus now needs to be on emerging areas such as automation and artificial Intelligence. To help infuse new talent and skills into the Indian IT and applied IT sectors, it is vital that the higher education sector works towards utilising existing assets to the maximum.

The aim is to increase focus on virtual or blended education to enhance the quality of education. There is also a pressing need to increase focus on producing a job-ready workforce.  

The implementation of the much-anticipated New Education Policy (NEP), with its revolutionary reforms in the areas of learning outcomes, curriculum renewal, teacher development and quality assurance at higher-educational level also needs to be done efficiently.

The surplus cash liquidity post demonetisation is expected to be channelized in key social sectors, including education. An increase in collaborative efforts between private sector and the government is required to improve India's Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) across schools and colleges.

It is important to create a conducive regulatory environment to attract both private and foreign investment. It was suggested that the education institutions should be covered under least possible Goods and Services Tax, preferably 0%.