As Union finance minister Pranab Mukherjee prepares to present the Budget on July 6, educationists and academicians say they expect major
reforms in the education sector, which, they feel, has the capacity to propel the nation towards prosperity and development.
Though the central government has introduced many ambitious schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan by pumping in crores of rupees to spread education, educationists lament that over half the country's one-billion population still can't read and write. Education experts are of the firm opinion that the government must increase its budget for education.
"At least 6% of the GDP should be allotted for onward education, and half of this needs to be targeted towards elementary education," feels pro-vice chancellor of Nagpur University Gaurishankar Parasher. According to him, the government should also ensure subsidies in higher education, but at the same time make sure it is not free, since this works as a filter to produce quality people. "Now, the government should start scholarship programmes for higher studies and also motivate research programmes," added Parasher.
Principal of Centre Point School Kana Roy Chaudhari says that as of now only 4.8% of the GDP is dedicated to education, which needs to be increased. "According to a survey, about 40% of the Indian population comprises students and hence the government should allocate more funds for education. In fact, 20% of the total government expenditure should be dedicated towards spread of education," she said.
Chaudhari wondered how the government would implement one board for all schools across the country. She raised questions like whether the teachers' jobs would be transferable and what languages would students learn.
Deputy director of education in Nagpur Govind Nandede says that while implementing the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the focus should be quality education. "The government should provide better infrastructure in schools situated in the remotest parts of the country. Moreover, education should be made totally free in both primary and secondary schools."
Gadchiroli district collector Atul Patne opines that the Central government has so far spent crores to spread computer literacy in schools, but it had not paid any attention to creating posts for computer instructors.
Patne, who brought about many reforms by introducing educational schemes in schools during his tenure in Nagpur as an additional municipal commissioner, says the government should extend the benefits of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan from existing Standard VIII to Std X students. "The move will help SSC pass students to get a job in any government organisation ," he said.
On the lines of National Accredition and Assessment Council, he wants the government to form a committee to ensure overall infrastructural development of schools.
Principal of Shivaji Science College, Devendra Burghate, however, expressed satisfaction as the government has increased funds for University Grant Commission (UGC). He demanded that the government should consider appointing MPhil and PhD holders as teachers in colleges.
reforms in the education sector, which, they feel, has the capacity to propel the nation towards prosperity and development.
Though the central government has introduced many ambitious schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan by pumping in crores of rupees to spread education, educationists lament that over half the country's one-billion population still can't read and write. Education experts are of the firm opinion that the government must increase its budget for education.
"At least 6% of the GDP should be allotted for onward education, and half of this needs to be targeted towards elementary education," feels pro-vice chancellor of Nagpur University Gaurishankar Parasher. According to him, the government should also ensure subsidies in higher education, but at the same time make sure it is not free, since this works as a filter to produce quality people. "Now, the government should start scholarship programmes for higher studies and also motivate research programmes," added Parasher.
Principal of Centre Point School Kana Roy Chaudhari says that as of now only 4.8% of the GDP is dedicated to education, which needs to be increased. "According to a survey, about 40% of the Indian population comprises students and hence the government should allocate more funds for education. In fact, 20% of the total government expenditure should be dedicated towards spread of education," she said.
Chaudhari wondered how the government would implement one board for all schools across the country. She raised questions like whether the teachers' jobs would be transferable and what languages would students learn.
Deputy director of education in Nagpur Govind Nandede says that while implementing the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the focus should be quality education. "The government should provide better infrastructure in schools situated in the remotest parts of the country. Moreover, education should be made totally free in both primary and secondary schools."
Gadchiroli district collector Atul Patne opines that the Central government has so far spent crores to spread computer literacy in schools, but it had not paid any attention to creating posts for computer instructors.
Patne, who brought about many reforms by introducing educational schemes in schools during his tenure in Nagpur as an additional municipal commissioner, says the government should extend the benefits of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan from existing Standard VIII to Std X students. "The move will help SSC pass students to get a job in any government organisation ," he said.
On the lines of National Accredition and Assessment Council, he wants the government to form a committee to ensure overall infrastructural development of schools.
Principal of Shivaji Science College, Devendra Burghate, however, expressed satisfaction as the government has increased funds for University Grant Commission (UGC). He demanded that the government should consider appointing MPhil and PhD holders as teachers in colleges.