Budget 2019: New Education Policy In Process, Says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Presenting the first Union Budget of Modi government 2.0, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will bring in new National Educational Policy focusing on the higher education and Rs. 400 crore has been allocated for world-class institutions for FY 2019-20.

The National Research Foundation (NRF) aims to fund, coordinate and promote research in the country.

“We propose to establish a National Research Foundation to fund, coordinate and promote research in the country,” said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2019-20.

A draft legislation for higher education commission will be presented, she added.

The former Chairman of AICTE, S.S Mantha, expressed his views on the National Education Policy and said, "A national education policy is overdue. The policy must address quality and employability skills and this must definitely precede creation of new employment markets".

Anindya Mallick, Partner, Deloitte India supports the presented budget, he commented, “The budget through the declaration of allocation of Rs 400 crores for transforming higher education institutions into research oriented world class institutions and improving higher education outcomes through policy & regulatory changes expected from the proposed Higher Education Commission of India supports the talent requirements”.

India has potential to become educational hub, the minister said while proposing the Union Budget 2019 in the Lok Sabha.

“The various initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2019 for education augur a definite transformation for the sector and will play a pivotal role in nation building. We are enthused by the Government’s focus on establishing India as a Hub for Higher Education”, said Dr Rupamanjari Ghosh, Vice-Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University.

Appreciating the presented Union Budget 2019-20, Vikas Singh, Managing Director, Pearson India said, "The allocation of funds to build world-class higher education institutes is a big foot forward in strengthening the roots of Indian education system. We are confident that with a renewed focus on quality education and technology being the pivot, the Indian education sector will be benefited in years to come.”

The minister also informed that to sensitise the youth of the country about Mahatma Gandhi's ideas, a ''Gandhi-pedia'' is being developed.