Investment by private players will improve education sector

Pune’s education sector cheered some of the announcements in the Union Budget like the scheme for education loans, public private partnership (PPP) for new schools, national programme of midday meals and upgradation of existing government medical colleges to the level of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Former vice-chancellor Ram Takwale said, “Giving the banks the role of distributing loans to deserving students is welcome. Implementation of the scheme by another agency would have caused problems.”

Educationist Ramesh Panse said, “PPP for new schools will somewhat halt government’s dominance in the education sector. There is no school with PPP model in Pune. Investment by private sector will help improve the education performance and overcoming paucity of funds. India spends only 3% of total gross domestic product (GDP), which actually should be between 6 and 8%.”

National head of midday meals scheme, Leena Joseph said, “The increase in funds will add more value to food. Cost of everything has gone up. Generally, we spend Rs3.75 per child from standards 1 to VII and Rs4.75 per student from standards VI to VII. But I am doubtful how the funds will be distributed across the country. Many a times we have to struggle for funds at grassroot level.”

“Upgradation of existing government medical colleges to the level of AIIMS will help enhance availability of affordable healthcare,” said dean of BJ Medical College, Ajay Chandanwale.