Did Budget 2023 Satisfy Teachers' Expectation

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, through the Indian Union Budget 2023 made several important announcements bridging the gap between the skill development system and traditional degree education. It was a common demand of the education sector that training courses and curriculum as well as practical skills imparted under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) were not aligned with industry requirements. The concern was also acknowledged by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on labour, textiles and skill development.

The government, through the budget, has taken steps towards promoting inclusive education by launching initiatives such as the hiring of teachers for 740 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, modernising teacher training through District Institutes of Education and Training, and providing access to a Digital Library for children.

Industry Reactions

The education sector has mostly positive reactions to the recent education-related announcements in the Union Budget. Most stakeholders of the education sector are pleased with the expected measures for improving education infrastructure and increased budget provisions. This comes in light of the upcoming new education policy and the need for better development in the sector.

Quality and Accessible Education

The aim to provide quality and accessible education opportunities for all, equipping them with the skills and abilities to pursue competitive careers has been touched. With a combination of global best practices and consideration of India's unique demographics and needs, the country can progress towards becoming a higher-middle-income nation.

One Class One TV

Teachers have had similar opinions on the allocation of education budgets for both schools and higher education. The creation of a digital university and the 'one class one tv channel' programme is a pleasant move. These initiatives demonstrate the government's focus on digitisation and increasing access to education throughout the country. 

District Institutes of Education and Training

One of the key announcements was the development of the District Institutes of Education and Training, with the aim of re-formulating teachers’ training through curriculum, professional development and surveys. The Finance Minister promise to provide stipends to youth over the next three years through the Direct Benefit Transfer initiated under the India National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme is also encouraging. The establishment of Skill India International Centres in various states and the launch of a unified Skill India Digital platform for demand-driven formal skilling will prove very beneficial for the growth.

PMKVY 4.0

To address the issue of mismatched skills, PMKVY 4.0 will now emphasise on-job training, industry partnerships, and the alignment of courses with industry needs. The scheme will cover new-age courses for Industry 4.0 such as coding, AI, robotics, mechatronics, IOT, 3D printing, drones, and soft skills. 

PVTG

The centre will also recruit 38,800 teachers and support staff for the 740 Eklavya Model Residential Schools over the next three years, serving 3.5 lakh tribal students as part of the larger plan to improve the socio-economic conditions of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG). It has allocated budget to improve facilities like safe housing, clean drinking water, sanitation, education, health, road and telecom connectivity and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

PM VIKAS

The Budget also highlighted the emerging field of tourism and lab-grown diamonds as offering immense employment opportunities for the youth. A reduction in Basic customs duty on artificial diamond seeds has been proposed to promote job creation. The PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman (PM VIKAS) package has also been announced, providing assistance to artisans and craft workers to improve the quality, scale, and reach of their products and integrate them with the MSME value chain. 

The scheme will provide financial support, access to advanced skill training, digital techniques, brand promotion, market linkages, digital payments, and social security, aimed at benefiting the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, women, and people from weaker sections.

Most teachers, experts and stakeholders in the education sector have responded positively to the Budget proposals. The improvement in the gross enrollment ratio (GER) and gender parity in schools and the launch of the PM Schools for Rising India scheme has been widely welcomed. Overall, while the increased allocation of funds towards education is a positive step, it is important for the government to take concrete and targeted measures to address the challenges facing the education system. 

The Indian Union Budget 2023 has sent positive signals toward bridging the gap between the skill development system and traditional degree education. India has high aims in conjunction with its celebration of AmritKaal from 2022 to 2047 when it will celebrate its freedom centenary and education is projected to play a significant role in the achievement of the set goals.

Koneru Satyanarayana

Guest Author The author is Chancellor, KL Deemed to be University