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Budget 2025: As the nation waits for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcements, the education sector remains hopeful
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. (File Photo)
As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, voices from the education sector have expressed high expectations for government initiatives that can reshape the future of learning in India. From fostering entrepreneurship and advancing digital literacy to harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), experts emphasize the need for bold reforms and investments to empower India’s youth.
Building Entrepreneurial and Innovative Ecosystems
Deepakk Kummar, Founder and Chairman of EIMR Business School, has called for consistent government funding to bolster entrepreneurship skill development programs and foster student-led innovation. “Dedicated funding is essential to tackle real-world challenges, supported by tax incentives for academic-industry partnerships and expansions of incubators,” Kummar stated.
He highlighted the need for streamlining regulatory frameworks for ed-tech startups and establishing incubation centers equipped with advanced tools like 3D printers and software development kits within business schools to cultivate innovation.
Education 4.0 Revolution
Mahavir Goel, Chairman of Sri Venkateshwar International School, Dwarka, New Delhi, said, “The need for increased investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and innovative learning solutions has never been more pressing. We hope the upcoming budget will prioritize equitable access to quality education, support for digital transformation, and foster an environment where both students and educators can thrive. There is a growing need for a more pronounced focus on the “Education 4.0 Revolution,” which calls for greater digital learning infrastructure and a shift towards skill-based knowledge.”
Goel added that by allocating resources that nurture the future of education, we can ensure a generation that is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resilience to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Furthermore, “We anticipate that the fiscal plan will realign priorities to align with global standards, strengthening health management education and addressing the growing demand for skill-based education and digital learning in higher education. These investments and policy adjustments will be pivotal in building a future-ready education system, empowering students to tackle the challenges of tomorrow,” Goel highlighted.
Championing Holistic and Inclusive Education
Dilip Gangaramani, Founder and Managing Director of Target Learning Ventures, advocated for a budget that prioritizes holistic child development. “We need robust support to integrate play-based learning methodologies, particularly for young learners, alongside investments in teacher training programs,” Gangaramani said.
He stressed the importance of specialized labs for robotics and astronomy to empower students with critical 21st-century skills while urging the government to address the digital divide by ensuring access to quality education for marginalized communities and students with special needs. Gangaramani also underscored the necessity of expanding digital learning resources and fostering innovative pedagogical approaches.
The Role of AI in Revolutionizing Education
Jairaj Bhattacharya, Co-Founder and CEO of ConveGenius, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in addressing systemic challenges within the education sector.
“AI can bridge regional disparities, tackle teacher shortages, and enhance the quality of learning by personalizing education and driving administrative efficiencies,” Bhattacharya noted. He urged the government to prioritize public-private collaborations and leverage digital public infrastructure to create accessible AI-driven solutions that promote equitable, high-quality education.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The education voices collectively envision a budget that lays the foundation for innovation-driven, inclusive, and equitable education. They believe these measures are crucial not just for empowering students but also for shaping a future-ready workforce aligned with India’s aspiration of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
As the nation waits for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcements, the education sector remains hopeful that Budget 2025 will reflect a strategic, forward-thinking approach to transforming India’s learning ecosystem.
