The Union Budget for the financial year 2013-14 has allocated a hike of 17 percent of funds for education sector.


Last Updated: 2013-02-28T16:09:42+05:30

Union Budget 2013-14 Allocates 17 Percent Raise for Education Sector

Delhi: Every year, the Union budget is expected to be the deciding factor for India’s financial growth in the ensuing year. This year, certainly, “education” is one the prime objectives of our government. Today, P Chidambaram, the Union Finance Minister, presented his consecutively 8th in a row as well as India’s 82nd budget of the country. While introducing the same, Chidambaram went on to highlight, that this year’s budget would focus on creating better prospects in education and skill enhancement for country’s youth. He further stipulated that, this step would surely encourage Indian youth to attain optimal qualifications, that will open better jobs or self-employment avenues for them.
 
As per the budget 2013-14, an amount of Rs 65867 crore, has been sanctioned to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MoHRD), which is apparently an increase of around 17 % from the funds allocated to the ministry, last year. Though, the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Right to Education Act (RTE) are working pretty efficiently, even then, an amount of Rs 27258 crore has been provided for the SSA, in this year’s budget. In addition, 25.6% increased amount than last year’s, Rs. 3,983 crore, will be invested in the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA).
 
Furthermore, Rs 5284 crore has been assigned to various Ministries for the funding of thousands of scholarships for talented students of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Minorities and girl children. Rs.13215crore has been set apart for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDM). In order to enhance the infrastructural level of medical education, training and research in the country, a sum of Rs 4727 crore has been allocated. However, the education cess for all tax payers will remain 3%.
 
Mentioning the restoration of the Nalanda University, Chidambaram affirmed that the re-creation of Nalanda University as a centre of educational excellence is one of the government’s top priorities. Besides the above mentioned measures, the Finance Minister has advised the National Skill Development Corporation to draft the curriculum and standards for training in different skills. He further added that after completion of training and test conducted by authorized certification bodies, the successful candidates would be given a certificate and a monetary reward of an average of Rs 10000, each. Anticipating a good response for the scheme, the FM has offered to offer Rs 1000 crore for it. 
- By Madiha Wasi
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