New Financing and Business Models in Education

Seema Jhingan,  Partner, LexCounsel  Law Offices, New  Delhi
There are lots of challenges in finding investors in education. In India, education is considered as a non-profit making  sector. For profit entities like partners firm, cooperatives, private limited companies, investments is not a challenge. But  with education, which is formed under entities like societies, trusts and Section  25 companies, finding  investor is a real challenge. Investor or VC  funds cannot invest  in trust or society  because they cannot  reap benefits out of  them.

Naveen Jha, CEO, Deshpande Foundation;  and Managing Trustee, Deshpande Education Trust;  President-TiE-Hubli

Ujjawal Singh, Partner, Indus Balaji
I think private players like us are looking to invest in innovations so that we can play a meaningful  role in the education sector. For instance, we support an organisation called ‘Agastya’ that designs  low-cost science equipment. So  here is a huge opportunity lying in the philanthropy and innovation  format that can be used to supplement the education system. Various sectors require very specific  skills. I think India’s demographic dividend has to be converted into human capital else it will  become a liability.

Melwin Braggs, Business Lead, Develop Schools
India’s private education market is estimated to reach USD 103 billion from USD 71 billion currently. New models of PPP in the skill development sector are assisting the vocational education sector. We see expansion in education with participation of private  and foreign players. For that, the sector should be turned into for profit. Government  can allow long-term lease on land and infrastructure. It may cap profitability, but allow  a rate of return to the investor.