As the eagerly anticipated Budget 2024-25 presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approaches on July 23, the Vice-Chancellors of Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) are expressing hope for heightened investment in education to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and propel the nation towards becoming a knowledge power. Additionally, experts in the education sector are advocating for the reduction of the GST slab on educational products and services from 18% to 5%.
Delhi University Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh has emphasized the crucial necessity for increased investment in education, asserting that it is an incontrovertible requirement. He has expressed satisfaction with the grants received from the Government of India and has underscored the vital role of higher education in realising the vision of a developed India by 2047.
JNU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity for increased investment in education to position the country as a knowledge power. She has stressed the transformative impact of providing quality education to all, enabling graduates to effectively compete on national and international levels.
Furthermore, experts in the education sector are advocating for heightened investment in education, particularly in educational technology. Aarul Malaviya, the founder of Zamit, an AI-driven ed-tech platform, has expressed optimism regarding the potential for increased funding and supportive policies to advance educational technology. He has highlighted the importance of allocating funds towards improving internet connectivity, providing modern devices, and equipping both teachers and students with the necessary technology.
Praveen Singh, CEO at AASOKA by MBD Group, a blended learning solution, has emphasized the need for a transformation in school and college systems. He has called for an increase in the education sector’s budget and the reduction of the GST slab on educational products and services from 18% to 5%. This, he has stated, would significantly enhance access to affordable and high-quality education.
In conclusion, the academic and ed-tech communities are hopeful that Budget 2024 will prioritise increased funding in the education sector and address the pressing need for improved access to quality education. The potential reduction in the GST slab on educational products and services also holds promise for fostering innovation, employability, and technological advancements in the education sector.