- The expectations of the upcoming Union Budget 2024-25 by Gautam Rajgarhia, Pro-Vice Chairman Delhi Public School (DPS), Varanasi, Nashik, Lava, Nagpur, Hinjawadi, Pune speaks about how the upcoming Union Budget presents an opportunity to enact transformative changes in the Indian education landscape, where a significant portion of the population is under the age of 18
“As the nation eagerly awaits the Union Budget of India, the spotlight is undeniably on various sectors, each pivotal in its own right. However, one sector that stands at the forefront of shaping our nation’s future is K-12 education. In a country where a significant portion of the population is under the age of 18, the upcoming Budget presents an opportunity to enact transformative changes in the Indian education landscape.
With a decade immersed in the field of education, encompassing the operation of schools and extensive visits to educational institutions spanning India and beyond, my comprehension of the challenges faced by the K-12 education sector is profound. These challenges, spanning from stark rural-urban disparities to the pressing issues of undertrained educators and obsolete curricula, demand immediate attention. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for technological integration in education, amplifying the existing digital divide.
Budget expectations: A four-pronged approach
- Funding the future: The primary expectation from the Union Budget is a substantial increase in the allocation for education. Currently, India allocates approximately three percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to education, trailing behind many other nations. With a staggering 250 million students enrolled in K-12 education, the need for an enhanced budget becomes even more apparent. The current education spending, falls significantly short of the ambitious target set by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020- six percent of the GDP.
- Infrastructure development: A glaring issue in many Indian schools, especially in rural areas, is inadequate infrastructure. Essential facilities like clean toilets, libraries, science laboratories, digital facilities and sports equipment are lacking. The Budget should prioritise funding for these amenities, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for every child.
- Shaping the shapers: The quality of education is inextricably linked to the quality of teaching. There is an urgent need for programmes focusing on the recruitment and training of teachers. This includes continuous Professional Development (PD) and equipping teachers with modern pedagogical skills, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. The Budget should allocate funds for these initiatives, recognizing teachers as the cornerstone of quality education.
- Technology integration and digital literacy: The pandemic has underscored the importance of technology in education. The budget should focus on bridging the digital divide by ensuring access to digital devices and internet connectivity, especially in remote areas. According to the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report for 2021-22, only 34 percent of all schools in India have internet access, leaving a significant 66 percent without it. Strategic investment in internet facilities, e-learning platforms, digital content, blended teaching-learning facilities and teacher training in digital pedagogies will be instrumental in making education more inclusive and future-ready.
The Union Budget has the potential to be a transformative moment for K-12 education in India. By addressing the critical areas of infrastructure, teacher quality and digital integration, the government can lay a strong foundation for a more equitable and effective education system. This, in turn, would not only improve the quality of education but also contribute significantly to the nation’s overall development and future readiness.
Investing in education is investing in the future of the country. As we move forward, the Union Budget must reflect this understanding, paving the way for an education system that is accessible, equitable and capable of nurturing the potential of every child in India.
