Budget 2023: What is the education sector expecting?

The education sector has seen a significant transformation in the last few years, however experts say that India needs further substantial reforms and support from the Budget to bridge the gap between education and employment.

Budget 2023 education

The first and most important demand is the budgetary allocation. The education sector is seeking at least 6 per cent of the country’s GDP to be spent on education.

The sector also expects the Union Budget to touch upon enhancing education delivery and improvising on teacher training programmes like NISHTHA, Samagra Shiksha, SWAYAM, etc.

Another demand is to lower the GST of ed-tech platforms. While Ed-tech platforms are being touted as the future of the education sector, a GST of 18 per cent is discouraging the industry’s growth. The upcoming Union Budget should focus on reducing the GST to make digital learning affordable.

According to Lejo Sam Oommen, MD, ETS India, the Union budget 2023 outlay must provision for ‘Internationalization’ at State and Central Government Universities, while also making India a destination for foreign students. Exchange programmes between global institutions and Indian universities will augur well for learners who are presently devoid of international exposure.