Lok Sabha Clears Enhanced Education Budget; Dharmendra Pradhan Says Higher Education Funding Up 78%
The Lok Sabha on Thursday approved the demands for grants of the Ministry of Education, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighting a significant rise in budgetary allocations for the sector over the past decade. He stated that India’s education spending has increased from ₹4.3 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹9.19 lakh crore at present, underlining the government’s commitment to building a strong knowledge-driven economy by 2047. Replying to the discussion in the House, Pradhan said quality education remains central to India’s vision of becoming a 30-trillion-dollar economy. He noted that the budget allocation for higher education has witnessed a 78% increase since 2013-14. The minister emphasized that the government has focused on ensuring education is accessible, equitable, affordable, accountable, and of high quality. He highlighted the expansion of higher education institutions across the country, including IITs and IIMs. According to him, the number of universities has risen from 760 in 2014-15 to 1,168 currently. Pradhan also spoke about the PM JANMAN scheme, aimed at improving educational access for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). He said the Centre plans to construct 500 hostels for tribal students under the initiative, with work already underway on 119 hostels. He further stated that the government is actively promoting Indian Sign Language and strengthening inclusive education measures. Highlighting women’s representation in education, the minister pointed out that Aligarh Muslim University has appointed its first woman Vice-Chancellor. He also mentioned an increase in the number of female teachers in schools. Opening the debate, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya said India has witnessed major improvements in educational infrastructure and quality over the last decade. He added that this year’s Union Budget places special emphasis on youth skill development, employment generation, and self-reliance, targeting skill training for nearly four crore young people. Surya noted that the higher education department’s budget has increased from ₹26,750 crore in 2013-14 to more than ₹47,000 crore now. Opposition members, however, raised concerns over vacancies and the quality of education. Congress MP Mohammad Jawed highlighted that nearly 4.8 lakh teaching positions in schools and over 61,000 posts in central universities remain vacant. TMC MPs Pratima Mondal and Sougata Roy criticized the government’s education policies, alleging inadequate focus on skill development and declining higher education standards. Roy also expressed concern over the growing number of Indian students pursuing higher studies abroad, citing that nearly 8.96 lakh students left the country last year. RLP leader Hanuman Beniwal demanded strict action against the “coaching mafia” and raised concerns over repeated paper leak incidents. MPs including Asaduddin Owaisi, Malvinder Singh Kang, Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Priya Saroj, Sambit Patra, and Kanimozhi also participated in the discussion before the House adjourned for the day. Source: News on AIR
