In the tenth episode of ‘Budget 2025: What’s at Stake?’ – a series by The Wire in collaboration with the Centre for Financial Accountability – Dinesh Abrol, professor at the Institute of Studies in Industrial Development, delves into India’s education crisis, from the government’s failure to meet the 6% GDP funding goal to tackling pandemic-induced dropouts among vulnerable groups.
“Universalisation of education is no more a priority for the government. Education has become a purchasable commodity,” Abrol says, highlighting how the budget for higher education is now being awarded to universities in the form of ‘loans’ instead of ‘grants’.
He outlines key demands for an ideal education budget and solutions to strengthen the sector.