Nagpur Education Experts Push for Major Budget Allocation to Support NEP 2020 Goals
As the Union Budget approaches during a crucial phase of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 implementation, academicians and education specialists in Nagpur are advocating for a significant boost in public education expenditure. They emphasize the urgent need to align financial resources with national objectives like Viksit Bharat 2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat, calling for the upcoming budget to prioritize funding for higher education, skill-based learning, manufacturing-focused education, and translational research.
Higher Education Institutions Need Enhanced Funding
Dr. Atul Vaidya, Vice-Chancellor of Laxminarayan Innovation Technological University (LITU), highlighted that higher education institutions require substantially increased and consistent funding to build capacity and maintain global competitiveness. He stressed the importance of targeted investments in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, while also warning against excessive reliance on the IT sector.
"Indigenous manufacturing must serve as the genuine growth engine. Education should actively support manufacturing-led development through applied research and industry-linked courses," Dr. Vaidya stated. He added that incentives for manufacturing-oriented education and translational research would be vital for achieving self-reliance. The budget should ensure equitable funding for all higher technical education institutions while strengthening infrastructure and manpower to fulfill NEP objectives.
"Education must function as a key enabler of Viksit Bharat 2047. Without sufficient public investment, these ambitions will remain merely on paper," he concluded.
Addressing Gross Enrolment Ratio Targets
Sanjay Kavishwar, Dean (Academics) at Tirpude Institute of Management Education, echoed similar concerns, noting that the NEP target of achieving a 50% gross enrolment ratio (GER) cannot be realized without adequate support for public institutions. He proposed that education spending should gradually increase to at least 5.5-6% of GDP.
"A phased increase beginning with at least 4.6% and progressing toward 5.5% in the 2026–27 budget is essential to bridge existing gaps," Kavishwar explained. He emphasized that funding is necessary not only for infrastructure and staffing but also for teacher capability development and quality research in socially relevant areas.
"If education is to remain accessible and affordable, public institutions must be strengthened on a priority basis," he asserted.
Skill-Based Education Across Disciplines
Dr. Rajendra Kakde, former AICTE adviser and Nagpur University pharmacy expert, strongly advocated for a shift toward skill-based education across various disciplines. He argued that skills should be integrated with technical, commerce, and arts education to enhance employability and value.
"Why should skill development be limited only to engineering? Commerce and arts students can also be trained in high-value skills," Dr. Kakde questioned. He highlighted the necessity for hands-on training, certification, and endorsement by regulatory bodies like AICTE and universities.
Dr. Kakde pointed out that many skilled workers, such as automobile technicians, often surpass formally trained engineers in diagnostics and practical expertise but lack formal certification. "If their skills are certified, there is huge global demand. Thousands of young Indians go abroad every year for such jobs. With proper certification, many more can find opportunities, both overseas and within the country," he explained.
The collective call from Nagpur's academic community underscores the critical need for strategic budget allocations to transform India's education landscape, making it more accessible, relevant, and employment-driven in alignment with national development goals.
