As India’s education sector stands on the cusp of a defining moment, Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee of Greenwood High International School, has voiced her expectations for the upcoming union budget. Agarwal emphasised the need for significant budgetary allocations to build on recent policy reforms and further translate the vision for education into measurable outcomes.
According to Agarwal, “While recent policy reforms have laid a strong foundation, the budget must now focus on translating this vision into measurable outcomes by prioritising increased access to education, upskilling, and building technological capacities of the students.” She stressed that these measures should address the evolving needs of students and educators, particularly in rural and underserved regions, which she believes will empower educators to deliver better learning outcomes.
The education sector, Agarwal pointed out, is not only in need of financial support but also requires a renewed focus on skills-based education. “The government should also bring about measures to strengthen skill-based education, ensuring closer alignment between academic curricula and industry requirements,” she said. This would ensure that students are better equipped for future careers and the challenges of a rapidly changing job market.
Another priority for Agarwal is the promotion of women’s participation in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), an initiative she believes would be a pivotal step toward building a more inclusive workforce. “Increasing women’s participation in STEM fields would be an important step toward building an inclusive workforce,” Agarwal added.
Agarwal also advocated for a stronger blended learning ecosystem. She believes that integrating digital tools, physical infrastructure, and experiential learning will significantly enhance learning outcomes and ensure that students are prepared for the future. “A stronger blended learning ecosystem will further enhance learning outcomes and future readiness,” she affirmed.
Lastly, Agarwal underscored the importance of strengthening public–private partnerships in education. These partnerships, she suggested, can effectively harness the complementary strengths of both sectors to expand access, improve quality, and increase the overall efficiency of the education system.
In conclusion, Agarwal stated that the upcoming union budget represents a crucial opportunity for the government to respond to the current needs of the education sector. “Education is the bedrock of a nation’s progress, and this union budget presents an important opportunity to respond to current needs and shape a dynamic, future-ready education system,” she concluded.
The call for comprehensive reforms reflects the increasing demand for a more inclusive and forward-looking educational framework that caters to the diverse needs of students across India, particularly in a time of rapid technological advancements.
