BUDGET EXPECTATIONS – DR MONA LISA BAL, CHAIRPERSON, KiiT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

The year 2022 has started with a fresh wave of the pandemic that has further shook the backbone of our education system. The learning loss created by the pandemic needs immediate addressal in the Union Budget 2022. The existing digital divide in the country is no longer a new information. According to UNESCO’s state Education Report 2021, the availability of computing equipment in schools in India has been found to be only 22% and only 19% out of them have an internet facility. The development of digital infrastructure did not receive due consideration in last year’s budget and hence, it is imperative to allocate sufficient funds for the development of a robust and improved digital infrastructure. With physical classes being shut once again, students will be dependent on online classes to continue learning. We must ensure that no student in the country is left behind owing to financial and technological disadvantage. The end of the pandemic is nowhere in sight; therefore, it is essential that we take measures to guarantee that education is not put on hold. The unpredictable nature of our present has made it clear that we need to safeguard our future. It is important that we adapt our education system, pedagogies, and assessments accordingly. Upskilling of teachers is therefore more important than ever now. The economic implication of the pandemic has been adverse, and many have lost their livelihood or have lowered income. Reduction of interest rates on education loans is also required so that students aspiring for higher education are not financially burdened. Implementation of NEP 2020 has been slow, and the upcoming budget also needs to focus on this. Budgetary allocations need to be made for faster implementation of NEP 2020 which has the potential to change our education system for the better. 6 - 10% of the GDP should be allocated towards education. This would lead to a healthy start in the further progress to build a stronger foundation. Opening FDI into education would be helpful in further expansion of technological advancements.