Educationists had been hoping for a higher budgetary allocation for school and higher education. After the announcements, however, many feel there is not enough focus on the sector.
The allocation for schools and higher education institutions should have been 15 to 20 per cent higher, C.R. Swaminathan, educationist, said. He said each State should have a special facility for faculty training at the PG level.
Reacting to the announcement of more IITs, T.R. Paarivendhar, chancellor of SRM University, said the government should provide facilities that can be used by private institutions as well.
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“Centres of excellence and other facilities should be available for students in private institutions,” he said.
The education loan scheme through the Pradhan Mantri Vidya Lakshmi Karyakram has been welcomed by many.
Malik Sundaram, India director of ELS Education Services, said, “Hundreds of highly talented students with excellent academic records walk into our offices to study abroad, but most cannot afford it.”
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Sai Prakash Leo Muthu, CEO, and Managing Trustee, Sai Ram Group of Institutions, said if the collateral is waived and the interest rates lowered, it will benefit many.
On the other hand, N.K. Ranganath, former chairman, CII Tamil Nadu, feels the onus should have been on school education.