As India gears up for the Union Budget 2025, the general public eagerly anticipates significant reforms particularly in education. Expectations from college, schools & students include reducing GST on education services, bridging the skill gap, boosting vocational training platforms, enhancing digital infrastructure, investing in innovation, improving teacher training, and reforming higher education and research.
Lowering the GST on services related to education
Many contend that the 18% GST rate now applied to educational services reduces access to high-quality education. To make education more accessible, stakeholders are calling for the GST on educational services and digital learning resources to be lowered or eliminated. Students from a variety of socioeconomic situations would have access to high-quality education thanks to our action.
Filling the Skill Deficit
With many graduates lacking skills relevant to the sector, India has a serious skills gap. In order to improve employability, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 places a strong emphasis on skill development. In order to match education with industrial demands, experts recommend that money be included in the Union Budget 2025 for the integration of skill development programs within the curriculum.
Improving Platforms for Vocational Training
To give pupils real-world skills, vocational training is essential. By international standards, the current enrolment in vocational courses is quite low. To provide students practical experience and boost their employability, education leaders are advocating for more funding for vocational training platforms.
Improving the Digital Infrastructure
The necessity of a strong digital infrastructure in education was brought to light by the COVID-19 epidemic. However, At least 40% school kids in 7 states – Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand lack sufficient digital resources, particularly those in rural areas. It is anticipated that the next budget will encourage the growth of hybrid learning models and digital learning platforms, giving students greater freedom and increasing access to education.
Making Innovation Investments
A progressive educational system is built on innovation. The ambitious goal of raising public spending on education to 6% of GDP is set by NEP 2020. In order to do this, the Union Budget 2025 ought to give research and development financing top priority, motivating organisations to cultivate an innovative culture.
Enhancing Instruction
The competence of instructors has a major impact on the quality of education. Putting money into teacher empowerment through strong professional development programs will give teachers the tools they need to provide a well-rounded education that encourages pupils to think critically, work together, and solve problems.
