Academics feel higher budgetary allocation will give UP an upper hand in all the programmes

Updated on: Saturday, March 02, 2013

Higher allocation in the education sector in the Union budget, 2013-14 is a positive sign. Academics feel that 17% higher budgetary allocation will give Uttar Pradesh an upper hand in all the programmes. Experts view a grant of Rs 100 crore each to Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) significant for development but more of a balancing act rather than rational thinking.

Detailing the finer points of the budget, educationist Prof Mohammad Muzammil said, "Budgetary allocations depend on the number of beneficiaries. Since UP has relatively higher number of students than other states, we are entitled to have a larger share in the Budget pie. UP is a direct beneficiary in regard to the institutions of excellence. Besides, UP will have its share in INTACH, which has also been granted Rs 100 crore for its development."

As per Prof Muzammil, UP, because of its high population will benefit quantitatively. If analyzed this way, experts said,

the budget shows the government's willingness and capacity to spend on any education programme. But the government could have done a commendable job, if they would have focus on enhancing the quality of education. "There is no mention of Rashtriya Uccha Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA). Nominal allocation for RUSA would have fulfilled the budgetary commitment," said Prof Muzammil.

Experts said that though expansion of education is reflected, through SSA, RMSA and mid-day meals, the budget has failed to give a clear picture on quality. Experts, however, felt that the higher allocations give an open hand to the local government officers to siphon off the money. Scholarships is a grey area, where in the past, money was drained. "The amount meant for benefitting students doesn't reach them. Then, there's no point in making higher allocations," said RP Mishra, a secondary school teacher.

As far as generating employment is concerned, only the preface of the Budget talks about skill development and generating employment. The rest is completely silent on it, say academics.

In a nutshell, experts said, the budget for education was usual with government faltering bad by not mentioning the quality indicators at all. "The overall approach of the Budget is not very pronounced," said Prof Muzammil.

Academics feel higher budgetary allocation will give UP an upper hand in all the programmes

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