What Union Budget 2019-20 has to offer in terms of education

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has shared an approach for a new education policy that would bring reform in higher education. For this policy, a sum of Rs.400 Crore has been announced for world-class institutions which is thrice more than the estimates of the previous year. 

Talks of introducing a NEW National Education Policy to transform India’s higher education system to global standards is under process. This policy suggests some major changes at both school level and higher education level. It also focuses more on research and innovation along with better governance systems.

To enhance research and innovation, the finance minister also announced setting up of a National Research Foundation (NRF) to ensure overall research system is strengthened and prioritizing research on science and development without duplicity and less expenditure. For this purpose, the funds from all ministries shall be brought together in NRF and more funds added adequately. 

‘Study In India’, a programme that will focus on bringing foreign students to study in India for higher education is also announced. Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman also presented draft legislation for setting up the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) which shall be presented in the coming year. This shall help to regulate higher education for greater autonomy and better academic outcomes.

Under Khelo India Scheme necessary financial support was promised and a National Sports Education Board for Development of Sportspersons was proposed to be set-up in order to popularize sports at all levels. 

The achievements of past years were also highlighted where the finance minister brought to attention that five years back there was no Indian Institution in top 200 World Universities whereas now two IIT’s and IISc Bangalore fall under the bracket. Congratulations to these institutions who have made strong efforts to upgrade their standards to reach to such a level. 

IMPRINT or IMPacting Research Innovation and Technology scheme which began as a PAN - IIT and IISc’s joint initiative to solve engineering and technological challenges is also gaining power and enhancing its support. 

 Furthermore, SWAYAM initiative that provides online courses has helped to spread massive learning amongst the disadvantaged section of the student community.

GIAN (Global Initiative of Academic Networks) programme, initiated with the aim of understanding and accessing global data of scientists and researchers have also performed well.

India shows a promising year ahead in terms of education and lets hope we see more of such progressive policies from the government in future.

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