Mixed response from academicians

Commenting on the fund allocation to the Education sector, Anna University former Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr E Balagurusamy told DT Next that though it could be welcomed, the Centre should have allocated more. “Since lots of money have to be spent for education sector, the government could have allocated at least Rs 1.5 lakh crore,” he claimed.

Hailing the Centre’s proposal to attach medical colleges with district hospital, Balagurusamy said, “it is a very good move as lots of people, especially in the rural areas, will be benefited. However, the Union Government should instruct states to adopt the policy”.

On the Centre’s plans to start a programme for urban local bodies to provide opportunities for internship to young engineers, the retired Vice-Chancellor said “it is not that easy to start since all the industries should cooperate with the urban bodies and, therefore, there should be a separate industrial policy, which should make mandatory for all the industries to start internship programme for all engineering graduates”.

However, Association of University Teachers president Dr N Pasupathy opposed the Union Budget proposal to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in education sector in the country. “Already, private institution across the country charge exorbitant fees from the public and attracting FDI will further worsen the situation,” he added.

“Instead of attracting FDI, why can’t the government make the existing institution on par with international standards?,” he asked.

Welcoming the Union Government’s move to establish National Police University and National Forensic University, Pasupathy said the Union Budget does not have a clear picture on how much funds have been allocated for each state. “There is no mention that how much fund has been earmarked for research activities in universities,” he said, adding the budget is not up to the expectations.

Welcoming the Centre’s budget proposal, Tamil Nadu Teachers Association president PK Ilamaran said Income Tax (IT) exemption up to Rs 5 lakh for the salary people is a good move. “However, the exemption could be more as majority of the monthly salary people pay IT promptly and regularly.”

However, State Platform for Common School System – Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN) general secretary PB Prince Gajendra Babu said, “The Union Budget 2020-21 places a clear roadmap for providing market access to education.”

“Even at primary school level there is no promise of equitable access to education,” he said, adding that “in higher education, the existing public institutions will be forced to generate its own fund for meeting its requirements due to less funds allocation”.