Interim Budget 2024: As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reveals the Interim Budget for 2024, students eagerly anticipate the budget speech to grasp its potential implications on their academic paths and financial stability. A budget presentation often contains vital announcements that have the potential to influence the trajectory of education, employment, and the overall economic landscape.
Here, students can read the reactions of industry experts:
Anish Srikrishna, CEO of Timespro, sets the stage for a narrative of transformational change within India's education sector. He lauds the government's commitment to next-generation reforms, emphasising the significance of initiatives like Skill India in equipping millions with essential skills for employment.
Amit Kapoor, Co-founder and CEO of Eupheus Learning, welcomes the notable 6.1% increase in the schooling outlay, with a substantial Rs 4,200 crore boost in the School Education Budget, and a significant allocation of Rs 6,000 crore to the PM SHRI program, marking a remarkable 50% surge from the previous year. This underscores a dedicated focus on enhancing the quality of school education including digitalization. While we await the full-fledged budget post the upcoming elections, these initial steps are encouraging notes for the education sector to partner with edtech companies like ours.
Ajay Gupta, founder and CEO of Bachpan School, takes a closer look at the Education Budget 2024, praising the highest-ever allocation to the sector. He emphasises the need for tech integration and quality maintenance in educational institutions while acknowledging the importance of preschool education and inclusivity.
Sujatha Kshirsagar, President of Career Launcher, commends the budget's revitalised focus on India's dynamic youth and gender inclusivity. She highlights the significant rise in women's enrollment in STEM fields and the promotion of cutting-edge technologies as key drivers of economic growth and innovation.
Monica Malhotra Kandhari, MD of Aasoka & MBD Group, emphasises the government's dedication to empowering India's youth through long-term financing and support for innovative startups. She sees these initiatives as crucial for steering the nation towards a bright future.
Aarul Malaviya, founder of Zamit, shares his perspective on the budget's implications for India's education landscape. He applauds the government's focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, citing notable increases in female enrollment in higher education and STEM fields as indicators of progress.
Kavita Pathak, Director of the Jaipuria Institute of Management in Lucknow, highlights the interim budget's focus on four key priorities: women, farmers, poor and youth; therefore a thrust on start-ups, support to farming communities and encouraging use of solar panels by offering 100 units of free power. Adding 1 crore additional lakhapati didis promises to bolster women empowerment within the SHG framework. Overall nothing out of the ordinary and mostly supportive of the government’s overarching vision.
Krishan Mishra, CEO of FPSB India, commends the Indian Government's initiatives, emphasising the importance of the Global Financial Hub at GIFT IFSC and the Budget's support for the Skill India Mission, which has trained 1.4 crore youth. He applauds the Government's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship through initiatives like the PM Mudra Yojana. Mishra also appreciates tax benefits for startups and investments by sovereign wealth funds, looking forward to further details in the forthcoming Budget for a financially resilient nation.
Subir Verma, Director of FORE School of Management, New Delhi, praises the Budget for promoting self-reliance and focusing on youth skill development and employment. He highlights its support for startups and innovation, alongside reforms in crucial sectors. With initiatives like the National Education Policy 2020 and Skill India Mission, India is poised for transformational growth.
Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, applauds the government's commitment to youth empowerment and education reform, citing achievements like the National Education Policy 2020 and Skill India Mission. He highlights the significant increase in female enrollment in higher education and their participation in STEM courses. Galgotia emphasises the importance of creating an inclusive educational landscape and expresses dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders.
Nitin Viijay, Founder & CEO of Motion Education, praises the Finance Minister's plan to establish new medical colleges and form a dedicated committee for this purpose. He believes these steps will create opportunities for aspiring medical professionals, alleviate competitive pressure, and contribute to a brighter healthcare landscape for the nation.
Gaurav Goel, CEO of Toprankers, highlights the transformative changes in education following the recent Union Budget and FM's announcements. He emphasises the success of initiatives like the Skill India Mission in upskilling youth and establishing new ITIs, as well as the increase in female enrollment in STEM fields. Goel believes these developments will profoundly impact the education industry, leading towards a future of boundless opportunity.
Nikky Gupta, CEO of Teamwork Communications Group, applauds the Finance Minister's commitment to nurturing 'Nari Shakti' in the interim budget. She highlights the significant strides in empowering women entrepreneurs, improving education, and healthcare. The budget's focus on inclusivity and preventive healthcare reflects a transformative investment in India's future.
Prof. Dr. Arvind Chaturvedi, Pro Vice Chancellor and Director at IILM University, praises the Interim Union Budget 2024 for its focus on women empowerment and housing. He commends the initiative to provide homes for the homeless within five years and acknowledges the government's commitment to inclusivity, as demonstrated during the Republic Day parade. The budget reflects the Narendra Modi government's dedication to women's development and progress.
Ujjwal Singh, Founding CEO of Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, hails the Centre's focus on GDP (Governance, Development, and Performance) and its shift towards empowering citizens to address poverty. He praises the increased representation of girls in STEM courses and the establishment of additional educational institutions, foreseeing a genuine talent pool for skilled resources. Singh also applauds initiatives supporting start-ups and youth entrepreneurship, foreseeing accelerated progress towards a developed economy by 2047.
Ashutosh Burnwal, Founder & CEO of Buddy4Study, praises the 2024 interim budget's focus on India's youth. He highlights the government's emphasis on skill development and the significant increase in female enrollment in higher education. Burnwal sees these reforms as revolutionary, aiming for inclusive education and equal opportunities for all students, regardless of gender or background. He hopes the government will address the higher cost of education and ensure equal opportunities for underprivileged students.
Nirvaan Birla, MD of Birla Open Minds, lauds the Finance Minister's focus on youth empowerment and the transformative impact of the National Education Policy 2020. He applauds the budget's support for Skill India Mission and PM SHRI Schools, emphasizing the upgrade of 14500 schools in line with the new policy. Birla highlights the increasing female enrollment in STEM programs and the empowerment of women entrepreneurs through Mudra Yojana loans as pivotal steps towards a more inclusive society.