Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented Union Budget 2018-19 on Thursday in parliament. This was his fifth and last budget before the Modi government completes its term in 2019. This is the first budget where analysts will eye on big-ticket reforms such as Goods and Services Tax, mega PSU bank recapitalization, dynamic fuel pricing, etc. Following are few important points that is going to impact educational world of country at large:
- By 2022, every block with over 20,000 tribals and over 50 per cent STs will have a special Eklavya school. As many as 10 crore people to get Rs 5 lakh health coverage for hospitalisation every year.
- Government proposes establishment of two new Schools of Planning and Infrastructure.
- To address brain drain issue in country, a new scheme to identify bright students studying B Tech in top engineering schools and allow them opportunity to study and do research in IITs and Indian Institute of Science.
- Selected students to get special fellowships and will be expected to teach in institutes of higher education, particularly in rural areas.
- Jailtey proposes an integrated B.Ed programme for teachers for improving quality of teachers and education.
- Allocation of Rs 1 lakh crore has been proposed for revitalizing and upgrading education sector. Jaitley pushes for learning based outcomes and research.
- Allocation of Rs 52 719 crore for social inclusion of scheduled castes is proposed in the budget.
