The Union Budget 2025-26, set to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025, has raised anticipation across various sectors, particularly in education. Key stakeholders in online education, EdTech, study abroad services, and the skilling industry have outlined their hopes for policy focus and resource allocation in this critical financial document.
Key Expectations from Education Sector Leaders
1. Emphasis on Technology Integration
Pravesh Dudani, Founder and Chancellor of Medhavi Skills University, advocates for integrating advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and robotics into mainstream curricula. He stresses the need for increased public spending and robust industry-academia partnerships to create a globally competitive and job-ready workforce.
2. Strategic Edu-Fintech Collaborations
Pratham Barot, CEO and Co-founder of Zell Education, emphasizes strengthening India’s financial education landscape. He highlights the importance of partnerships between financial education platforms and fintech initiatives, along with tax incentives for digital financial literacy and skill development programs.
3. Supporting Online Education and Digital Infrastructure
Rohit Gupta, Co-founder and COO of College Vidya, aligns his expectations with NEP 2020’s vision, advocating for 6% of GDP allocation to education. He highlights the need for standardized quality assessment frameworks for online education and improved digital infrastructure to bridge the information gap for students.
4. Boosting International Education Aspirations
Gaurav Batra, Co-founder and CEO of Infinite Group, calls for reducing education loan interest rates and expanding financial aid for study-abroad aspirants. He also suggests fostering international university collaborations and streamlining processes for foreign institutions to establish campuses in India.
Broader Initiatives for Education Sector Growth
- Increased Budget Allocation: Anish Shah, CFO of Zee Learn Limited, stresses the importance of additional funding to address resource shortages and implement AI-powered learning models.
- Focus on Workforce Development: Kuldip Sarma, Pro-Chancellor of Medhavi Skills University, advocates for investing in STEM research, digital learning, and industry-focused skills like AI and IoT. He also recommends public-private partnerships to enhance India’s position as a global education hub.
Government’s Role and Public Engagement
Pre-Budget consultations chaired by Nirmala Sitharaman included over 100 stakeholders across nine sectors. Citizens are also encouraged to share their suggestions via the MyGov platform, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusivity in the budget-making process.
Challenges and Forward Path
Despite optimism, challenges such as affordability, data privacy, and equitable access remain crucial. Policymakers must ensure that technological advancements in EdTech and online education complement traditional teaching methods rather than replace them.
Conclusion
The Union Budget 2025-26 offers a unique opportunity to reshape India’s education landscape. By addressing funding gaps, fostering collaboration, and promoting technological integration, the government can ensure a transformative era in education, fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.
