The Union Budget 2025 is expected to significantly impact the education sector, focusing on funding, digital integration, infrastructure development, and teacher training. As India looks to build an inclusive, future-ready education system, experts are hoping for substantial investments to address critical challenges and foster innovation in education.
Prioritizing Increased Funding for Education
A key expectation from the Union Budget 2025 is a notable increase in funding for the education sector. Experts emphasize that this funding is crucial to bridge infrastructure gaps, improve teacher training, and integrate modern technology into classrooms. Mr. Nipun Goenka, Managing Director of GD Goenka Group, stresses that increased investment is essential for addressing long-standing challenges in education. In particular, reducing GST on educational services and digital learning tools would make education more affordable, especially for underprivileged students. Supporting collaborations between the government and private sector could improve both the quality and accessibility of education.
Addressing the Infrastructure Gap in Schools and Colleges
Infrastructure development remains one of the most pressing concerns, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The previous budgets have allocated funds to improve the quality of education by upgrading schools and colleges, but experts hope for even larger funding in the upcoming budget. Tr. Chaitanya Dev Singh, National President of Round Table India, calls for increased funding to modernize classrooms with smart boards, high-speed internet, and recreational spaces to make learning more engaging. Furthermore, integrating sustainable practices like solar energy and rainwater harvesting would make schools more environmentally responsible.
Improving Access to Education in Rural and Underserved Areas
The Union Budget 2025 is also expected to focus on expanding access to education, particularly in rural regions. Dr. Prabhat Pankaj, an economist and educator, advocates for improvements in the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and scholarships for STEM courses, especially for girls. Digital inclusiveness and AI tools to facilitate practical learning are anticipated to be key priorities, with a focus on bridging the digital divide. Public-private partnerships could be instrumental in providing affordable devices, internet connectivity, and digital learning tools to underserved areas.
Enhancing Teacher Training for Better Education Quality
Another significant expectation is a focus on teacher training and professional development. Teachers are crucial to improving educational outcomes, and ensuring they are equipped with the right skills and tools is essential. Dr. Prabhat Pankaj highlights the need for increased funding for teacher training programmes, including workshops, online courses, and peer mentoring. These programs should incorporate new technologies and modern teaching methodologies to equip teachers for evolving classroom needs. Additionally, supporting teachers’ mental health and well-being is becoming an essential component of professional development.
The Future of Education
The Union Budget 2025 offers a critical opportunity to advance India’s educational landscape. By prioritizing funding for infrastructure, teacher training, digital education, and inclusive programmes, the government can lay the foundation for an education system that promotes innovation, collaboration, and holistic student development. This budget has the potential to position India as a global leader in education, ensuring that students are prepared to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive world.
