Education Budget 2024: Nirmala Sitharaman to Present Budget Today, Check The Key Points Here

Education Budget 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman is set to present the annual budget today, February 1, 2024. The budget will be presented at 11 am today. With the implementation of the NEP 2020, expectations by experts for the Education sector are high considering the infrastructure requirements for the new education policy to be implemented across the country which includes better classrooms, adequate teacher training, and schemes to improve the accessibility of education to children from the lowest tier of society.

NEP 2020 Prime Focus for Budget

The budget for the education sector increased from Rs 37,383 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 37,453 crore in 2023-24. The new education policy 2020 has set some ambitious targets which include achieving universal education from pre-school to secondary level with a 100 % Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education by 2030 and 50% GER in higher education by 2035.

The NEP 2020 also aims to bring approximately two crore out-of-school children into the educational system and replace the existing 10+2 system with a new 5+3+3+4 curricular system. With such goals in place, experts suggest that adequate budget provisions are required to create the necessary infrastructure.  Construction of classrooms and classrooms with teaching and learning materials are all part of the NEP 2020.

Enrollment of children is also a priority while retaining female students is pivotal. Budget allocations will help in creating the required infrastructure and provisions to keep children in school. 

Education Budget 2024 - Teacher Training

With improving education quality comes the most important factor - teacher training. The new 5+3+3+4 education format required teachers to be trained to fulfill the task. Special training is required for sections like pedagogy, socio-emotional support to young learners, and handling of anxiety around examinations funds are required to be allotted to set up virtual common tools and safe spaces for teachers to consult with each other and relax. The right budget allocation towards this need will help in supporting the teachers and thereby supporting the teaching-learning experience. 

The NEP 2020 also focuses on vocational education and training. Experts suggest a budget allocation towards vocational studies will ensure that children are provided with the required skills to become entrepreneurs rather than job seekers. 

The allocation of the budget rightfully revolved around the implementation of NEP 2020 focusing on skill-based education and the overall development of the children in the country. Experts suggest that a justified allocation of funds towards achieving the goal of a complete and reliable education system will work towards the nourishment and development of the students. 

Also Read: NEET MDS 2024 Registration Begins At natboard.edu.in, Get Direct Link Here