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Delhi Budget 2024-25: Atishi Boosts Education, Women’s Welfare with Rs 16,400 Cr Allocation

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Delhi’s Finance Minister, Atishi, unveiled the Budget 2024-25 in the state Assembly, emphasizing significant allocations for education and women’s welfare. With an outlay of Rs 76,000 crore, Atishi allocated Rs 16,396 crore for the education sector, aiming to enhance educational infrastructure and accessibility. A key highlight of the budget was the introduction of the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana,’ offering Rs 1,000 monthly aid to women above 18 years old, effective from the fiscal year 2024-25. This initiative aims to empower women economically and address gender disparities. Under the health sector, Atishi proposed a budget of Rs 8,685 crore, focusing on improving healthcare facilities, including funding for hospitals, mohalla clinics, and essential medicines. Additionally, the budget allocated Rs 6,216 crore for various social welfare schemes, emphasizing support for marginalized communities. The education budget prioritizes teacher training, school construction, and maintenance, with allocations of Rs 100 crore for teacher training, Rs 150 crore for school construction, and Rs 45 crore for classroom maintenance. Furthermore, Rs 42 crore was proposed for Schools of Specialised Excellence, enhancing educational opportunities for students. In addressing infrastructure needs, the budget allocated Rs 3,353 crore for the power sector, Rs 7,195 crore for the Delhi Jal Board, and Rs 1,768 crore for road and flyover projects. The housing and urban development sector received Rs 9,800 crores, while public transportation was allotted Rs 5,702 crore. Notably, Atishi emphasized the Delhi government’s commitment to local governance, allocating Rs 8,423 crore to the local body, prioritizing education, healthcare, and sanitation. This holistic approach aims to foster community development and ensure equitable access to essential services. Reflecting on Delhi’s progress, Atishi highlighted the significant growth in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and per capita income over the past decade. The budget underscores the government’s vision for inclusive growth and transformative change, aligning with the AAP’s principles of transparency and accountability. The budget presentation marks a milestone in Delhi’s journey towards socio-economic development, guided by a commitment to empowerment, education, and holistic welfare.

Delhi Budget 2024-25: Atishi Boosts Education, Women’s Welfare with Rs 16,400 Cr Allocation Read More »

Ministry Orders Closure of Maulana Azad Education Foundation, Stirring Controversy

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The Ministry of Minority Affairs has stirred controversy with its decision to order the closure of the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF), a government-funded organization dedicated to promoting education among educationally disadvantaged sections of the Muslim community. The abrupt closure order, issued on February 7 by under-secretary Dhiraj Kumar, has raised questions as it lacks substantive rationale. According to sources familiar with the matter, the decision was prompted by a proposal from the Central Waqf Council (CWC), responsible for regulating educational initiatives for minorities in the country. However, senior officials within the ministry have labeled it as an “internal matter” not yet disclosed to the public. The order mandates the MAEF to propose an agenda for its legal closure and complete the dissolution process as per applicable laws. It also outlines plans to transfer the foundation’s funds totaling Rs. 1,073.26 crores to the Consolidated Funds of India (CFI) and liabilities amounting to Rs. 403.55 crores to the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC). Established in 1989 on the birth centenary of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad, the first education minister and freedom fighter, MAEF has played a crucial role in aiding education among marginalized Muslim communities. The decision to shutter the foundation comes amid past controversies, including the discontinuation of the Maulana Azad National Fellowship in 2022, which sparked widespread student protests. Experts and academics have expressed concern over the closure, emphasizing its adverse impact on Muslim students. A senior professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University stated, “The move will have an adverse impact on the Muslim students as the MAEF was the torchbearer for promoting education among the Muslim community in India.” The closure of MAEF raises broader questions about the government’s commitment to minority education and the future of educational initiatives aimed at marginalized communities.

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Maharashtra’s Education Budget Sees 9.8% Surge Amidst Concerns Over Allocation Distribution & Scheme Cutbacks

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The education sector in Maharashtra has witnessed a notable 9.8% increase in budget allocation for the interim period of 2024-25, with figures rising from Rs 87,314 crore to Rs 95,875 crore compared to the previous year. However, despite this surge, concerns have emerged over the distribution of allocations and cutbacks in flagship schemes. While both school and higher education departments have experienced a boost in funding, a significant portion of the hike is attributed to routine expenditures, particularly salaries for teachers and staff. Notably, expenditure on some key education schemes has been reduced, raising apprehensions about the state’s educational development trajectory. Of particular concern is the reduction in budgetary provisions for reimbursing private schools for admitting socio-economically disadvantaged students. This allocation has dwindled from Rs 200 crore to Rs 173 crore, aggravating grievances from schools claiming outstanding dues amounting to Rs 2,400 crore. Moreover, reductions in the state’s contributions to centrally sponsored schemes like midday meals and Samagra Shiksha have been recorded, despite recent initiatives such as introducing eggs in school meals. However, the budget does allocate Rs 81 crore towards the PM SHRI scheme aimed at upgrading schools in alignment with the New Education Policy. Finance Minister Ajit Pawar’s budget speech outlined plans for youth skill development initiatives, including the establishment of international skill development centers and various training programs. However, actual allocations for these schemes were notably absent from the budget document, raising questions about their implementation. Despite these concerns, there are pockets of positive developments, such as the increased subsidy for the Dr. Zakir Hussain Madrasa Modernization Scheme, aimed at integrating minority students into the mainstream education system. Additionally, measures to address uniformity in scholarships and fellowships for marginalized communities have been articulated, addressing previous criticisms regarding fellowship provisions for doctoral pursuits.  

Maharashtra’s Education Budget Sees 9.8% Surge Amidst Concerns Over Allocation Distribution & Scheme Cutbacks Read More »

Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Highlights State’s Education Success

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Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur announced on Sunday that the state’s literacy rate has surged to over 88%, marking a significant rise from eight percent at the time of Independence, making it the second-highest in the country. Thakur attributed the remarkable progress in education to the high standards and excellence of the state’s government schools. He highlighted that even prominent figures like Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu and the state’s first Chief Minister Y.S. Parmar received education from government-run institutions. Speaking as the chief guest at the launch of the ‘Mere Shehar Ke 100 Ratan’ scholarship by Crack Academy across all 68 constituencies of the state, Thakur emphasized the government’s commitment to education. The initiative aims to provide scholarships to 100 students per constituency, with the scholarship test scheduled for May 1. Thakur lauded the achievements of government school graduates, noting their successful careers in top institutions and various fields, not only in Himachal but also across India and the world. He highlighted that the education structure in the state has contributed to the high ratio of Indian Administrative Officers from Himachal per capita, making it one of the best in the country. Additionally, he mentioned that Himachal Pradesh boasts one of the highest per capita incomes in the nation.

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Kerala CM Advocates Achieving Global Research Standards in Higher Education

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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the importance of attaining global standards in research within the state’s higher education institutions during an address on Sunday. Highlighting the significant investments made by the government in the research sector over the past three years, he emphasized that these expenditures are viewed as investments for the future rather than mere expenses. Vijayan underscored Kerala’s status as the state with the highest expenditure on scholarships for students and expressed concern over the state’s inability to achieve world-class standards in research. He called for serious introspection and the formulation of effective solutions to address this challenge, urging stakeholders to prioritize in-house excellence. The Chief Minister outlined various initiatives undertaken by the Left government in the higher education sector, emphasizing a commitment to comprehensive reforms aligned with evolving trends. He highlighted the upcoming introduction of a four-year degree course, aimed at enhancing efficiency and prioritizing student-centric approaches in arts and science colleges. Recognizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in higher education globally, Vijayan affirmed the government’s efforts to equip the youth with skills necessary to tackle future challenges. He shared his vision of Kerala becoming a recognized hub of higher education nationally and internationally. The event, held at Malabar Christian College, included an interaction with select college students and was presided over by Higher Education Minister R Bindhu. The Chief Minister’s address underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for research and academic excellence in Kerala’s higher education landscape.

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Union Education Minister Inaugurates National Conference on ‘APAAR: One Nation One Student ID Card’

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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a national conference aimed at commemorating the creation of 25 crore ‘APAAR: One Nation One Student ID Card.’ The APAAR ID is designed to link a student’s academic bank of credits (ABC), storing all academic learnings, certificates, and credentials, including formal or informal credits from various sources such as skilling, sports, or social work, digitally verified by the awarding agencies. Pradhan emphasized that the concept of ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ was outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The conference aims to foster a seamless educational landscape, promote academic mobility, and ensure data security and privacy for students. “The introduction of APAAR IDs addresses the necessity for a singular, unified identity to streamline interactions throughout a student’s academic journey,” stated Pradhan. He further elaborated that the platform will showcase academic records in a consolidated manner, enabling students to monitor their academic journey and access personalized study plans and real-time performance analytics. Highlighting the significance of digital public infrastructure (DPIs) in the country, Pradhan mentioned the development of 53 DPIs in 16 countries, with 19 of them situated in India. The conference aims to explore strategies to embed the credit system across educational institutions, enhance industry collaboration, and emphasize the link between academic credits, job profiles, and student employability. A senior education ministry official noted that discussions during the event will focus on APAAR’s impact, strategies for credit system integration, and awareness creation among industry partners. The APAAR ID’s role in aligning education with labor market demands will also be underscored, with plans outlined for broader integration and industry engagement.

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Over 40 Lakh New Students Enroll in Government Schools: Yogi Adityanath

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Friday that more than 40 lakh new students have enrolled in government schools, signaling a significant milestone in the state’s education sector. Adityanath attributed this surge in enrollment to the concerted efforts of the government to enhance educational infrastructure and promote equality in education across Uttar Pradesh. During the Question Hour in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, Chief Minister Adityanath emphasized the government’s commitment to bridging social inequality through improved access to quality education. He highlighted the substantial progress made in elevating the standard of education in the state over the past seven years. Under the Kayakalp Abhiyan, Adityanath noted that extensive efforts have been directed towards enhancing infrastructure in 1,32,000 schools under the Basic Education Council. This initiative has facilitated a conducive learning environment for students, contributing to the significant increase in enrollment. Furthermore, Adityanath underscored the government’s initiatives to support students, including the provision of essential items such as bags, books, shoes, socks, and sweaters. Additionally, efforts are underway to implement the NCERT syllabus in a phased manner across Uttar Pradesh Board schools, ensuring uniformity in educational standards. Adityanath highlighted the success of the ‘School Chalo’ campaign, which is conducted in April and July, in further encouraging enrollment. The surge of over 40 lakh new students in government schools reflects the tangible outcomes of the government’s initiatives and signifies progress towards fulfilling the objectives of the Right to Education (RTE) Act.  

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Malaysia’s Lincoln University College Makes Historic Move to Establish Campus in India

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Malaysia’s Lincoln University College has emerged as the trailblazer among foreign universities seeking to establish a presence in India, becoming the first institution to apply through the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) dedicated application portal. The move marks a significant milestone in the internationalization of Indian higher education. The UGC has formed a five-member standing committee tasked with evaluating Lincoln University College’s application, indicating that a decision is imminent. This development comes in the wake of the UGC’s recent notification of regulations governing the establishment and operation of campuses by Foreign Higher Education Institutions (FHEIs) in India. According to Union Education Minister of State Subhas Sarkar, Lincoln University College has expressed interest in establishing a campus in Telangana, showcasing the growing appeal of Indian academia on the global stage. Sarkar’s statement in the Lok Sabha underscores the proactive steps taken by the Indian government to attract foreign investment and expertise in the education sector. While other foreign universities have shown interest by accessing the UGC portal to explore application requirements, Lincoln University College stands as the sole applicant thus far. Renowned for its academic prowess, the university holds respectable positions in prestigious global rankings, reflecting its commitment to excellence. The UGC’s regulations aim to facilitate the seamless operation of FHEIs in India, granting them autonomy in degree-granting, admission processes, and fee structures. The move is poised to enhance educational opportunities for Indian students and foster collaboration between domestic and international institutions. Responding to queries regarding the affordability of FHEIs for Indian students, Sarkar emphasized the potential for scholarships and tuition fee concessions, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. Additionally, stringent measures have been put in place to prevent misuse of philanthropic resources and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

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Bihar Education Department Implements Competency Exam Requirement for Contractual Teachers

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The Bihar Education Department has introduced a new mandate, necessitating contractual teachers to pass a competency examination to ensure they meet specified standards. Contractual teachers must successfully complete the exam within three attempts, with failure leading to termination. The initiative aims to enhance the quality of education delivery in Bihar and emphasizes the importance of meeting competency standards for teacher retention. K.K. Pathak, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Education Department, announced the competency exam requirement in an official notice on Saturday. Pathak, also the Chairman of the competency examination committee, oversees the process, bringing comprehensive representation and expertise. In a significant decision on December 26, 2023, the cabinet conferred government employee status on around 3.5 lakh contractual teachers, formalizing their employment status. The cabinet emphasized the need for contractual teachers to pass the competency exam to attain state government employee status. Between February 1 and February 15, contractual teachers must complete the application process for the competency examination. Admit cards will be issued on February 16, facilitating their participation in the computer-based test with 150 multiple-choice questions, aligned with the Bihar Public Service Commission’s Teachers’ Recruitment Exam syllabus. Pass percentages for various categories are specified: 40% for general category, 36.5% for backward classes, 34% for backward classes (annexure 1), and 32% for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, women, and candidates with disabilities. Contractual teachers have the opportunity to transition to state government employees by submitting examination forms between February 1 and February 15, 2024. The examination is scheduled from February 26 to March 13, 2024, allowing teachers to formalize their status and advance their careers within the state government.

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Concerns Rise as Centre Slashes Education Budget in Interim Budget; UGC Funding Takes a Hit

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The interim budget for education in India has sparked concerns as the government announced a 7% reduction in allocations, significantly impacting higher education funding. The University Grants Commission (UGC) faced the largest-ever cut of 61% in the last five years, raising apprehensions about the potential repercussions on universities and students. The budget for schools experienced a marginal dip, while central universities witnessed a 28% increase in grants. However, support for Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) was trimmed for the second consecutive year. The interim budget, presented on Thursday, allocated ₹1.2 lakh crore for education, reflecting a 7% decrease compared to the revised estimate for 2023-24. The UGC, responsible for higher education, bore the brunt of funding cuts, with its allocation reduced from ₹6,409 crore in 2023-24 to ₹2,500 crore in 2024-25. Despite the challenges, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming education through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The focus is on empowering the youth during the “Amrit Kaal,” the 25 years leading to 2047. Experts raised concerns over the impact of the drastic UGC budget cut, fearing it might encourage universities to rely on self-financing courses, burdening students and increasing dependence on loans. UGC Chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar reassured a commitment to quality higher education and efficient fund utilization. While the budget for central universities saw a notable increase of 28%, support for IIMs faced a reduction for the second consecutive year, dropping from ₹608.23 crore in 2022-23 to ₹212.21 crore in 2024-25. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailed the budget as a stepping stone towards a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) and highlighted the “Jai Anusandhan” scheme with a ₹1 lakh crore corpus fund as a significant announcement.

Concerns Rise as Centre Slashes Education Budget in Interim Budget; UGC Funding Takes a Hit Read More »