With the Union Budget announcement just around the corner, Dr Ram Sharma, Vice Chancellor of UPES University, has highlighted the pressing need for innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by India’s higher education sector.
In a statement, Dr Sharma remarked, “India faces the critical challenge of providing access to quality education for millions of learners. Establishing world-class higher educational institutions requires substantial investment, which cannot be solely shouldered by the government. This calls for out-of-the-box solutions to bridge the resource gap.”
He emphasised the importance of exploring alternative funding mechanisms to accelerate research and innovation in the country’s higher education institutions (HEIs). Drawing comparisons with advanced economies, he pointed out that robust funding frameworks have been instrumental in fostering academic and research ecosystems capable of delivering transformative outcomes.

To replicate such success in India, Dr Sharma proposed the introduction of stock market-linked instruments for HEIs to raise funds. He elaborated, “India could introduce education bonds, research-linked securities, or similar financial instruments to incentivise both public and private investors to support the education sector. If implemented, such measures could significantly enhance gross national spending on education and research.”
Dr Sharma further noted that these reforms would align India with global benchmarks, advancing the vision of a knowledge-driven economy. He underscored the transformative potential of such initiatives, stating, “These reforms would not only bridge the resource gap but also lay a strong foundation for fostering innovation and excellence across India’s HEIs.”
As the Union Budget approaches, Dr Sharma’s proposal underscores the importance of strategic investments and innovative approaches in shaping the future of India’s higher education landscape.