Digital Desk: Now that the Union Budget 2022 is approaching, individuals want the government to make special arrangements in four sectors- Education & Skill Development, better infrastructure, enhanced employment opportunities, and ordinary people's safety and security.
Due to the Covid-19 surge in the entire nation, students have faced a wide gap due to the continuation of the digital mode of education. Schools were closed for years, infrastructure and employment opportunities saw a setback due to the pandemic.
In 2021, the education sector was severely impacted due to the pandemic. But the government scored the education union budget by 6 % from what was notified in 2020.
As per specialists, the government in Union Budget 2022 should reveal an appealing push package and requirements for the education industry to remove the enlarging gap between urban and rural populations.
This education gap has been boosted due to parents losing jobs during the pandemic. Moreover, the decrease in income level by household members. Most significantly, the education gap has been caused due to the use of smartphones, laptops, and other digital devices.
Experts have stated that government in Union Budget 2022 should introduce some modifications in the education budget this year, focusing on a longer-term influence in the education sector. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will disclose the Union Budget 2022 on February 1.
According to Prashant Jain, CEO, Oswaal Books, the education budget should be raised by 50 %. Prashant Jain added, "Last two years already witnessed a accumulative 15 % decline in the education budget. This decade is the most suitable time to encash on the demographic dividend. If we as a nation boast concerning the human capital or demographic dividend, we have. We need to learn our fortune and immediately begin with funding in it."
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Jain further laid stress on the education gap due to the digital divide. "To fix the foundation for the new-age education strategy of the 21st century. We ought to familiarize e-learning and integrated learning in the academies and colleges of higher education through a public private collaboration with EdTech. For that, Technological Subsidies for students and GST relaxation for Edtechs are required in this year's budget."
Prateek Shukla, Co-founder and CEO of Masai School, said, "Indians spend unconditionally on healthcare and education. More and more customers are going in with big bucks to take certifications which have little or no value in the marketplace. We are seeing courses being turned into trends, with people buying courses out of FOMO. This needs to be flagged and addressed."
Narayan Mahadevan, Founder, BridgeLabz, stated that the government should promote startups to concentrate on skill growth and guarantee that employment is 100 per cent assured.
Nikhil Barshikar, Founder and MD of Imarticus Learning, expects that the government will lower the taxes on the education industry by executing an equitable standard, providing more importance to the education sector, and creating digital education available scholars across the nation.
Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost - HSNC University, also commented, "Though the number of providers of education loans has risen, higher interest rates stay a more significant challenge. Not to note, GST rates even form financial stress on the middle and lower class people. Revision in GST rates for educational assistance will have a substantial impact on national literacy as it will enable desiring learners to pursue and achieve their academic exercise."
Even though the government should not open schools suddenly, the in-person classes should slowly take part in reality with proper Covid-19 related guidelines and measures. The nation is gradually indicating a drop in the positivity rate— the WHO has also marked the end of health emergencies this year.
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