Focus primary education in budget

While the Union Budget is appreciated almost every year for allocating increased budget for education, the focus is, more often than not, on higher education. I understand that Finance Minister’s announcement of more central universities and National Knowledge Commission makes more news; he should however not neglect the primary education. Unless the budget contains something to bridge the widening gap between primary and higher education, the much needed lower-end skill in the economy will become increasingly scarce. The Union Budget must operationalise Right to Education (RTE) and for that primary education must be allocated substantially more. I also expect the budget to give momentum to Rashtriya Mahyamik Shiksha Abhiyan.

My expectations include increased budgetary allocation to further strengthen the sector,and for creating the requisite infrastructure. There should be a centralized regulatory body to regulate the sector in place of the existing system of multi-layer approvals. This would encourage and expedite the development of educational institutions, resulting in inclusive growth. Making primary education more affordable by promoting and funding education at grass root level and subsidizing the primary education. This would result in an enhanced access to quality, yet affordable education. There should be more clarity and transparency in spending of 3% education cess collected.

A separate corpus should be set up for special training programs for teachers improve the level and quality of imparting education. There should be more income-tax deduction in consideration of educational fees paid by parents. There should be incentive for corporates investing in primary education. Participation of private sector should also be encouraged to increase the speed of reforms.