
As Budget 2025 approaches, I speak not just as an educator but as someone who believes that education is the single greatest lever for social transformation. This budget is not just about numbers; it’s about what kind of India we want to build. An India where every child—urban or rural, rich or poor—has the same shot at a great future.
As someone who works with 55,000+ students and 3,000+ educators across 60+ schools in six states, I can tell you this: The aspirations of today’s students and teachers are soaring, and they are different from previous times. For too long, we’ve seen education funding discussed as a formality. It’s time to move beyond the basics and aim for a future that’s bold, inclusive, and truly transformative.
I have said this time and again- that it would take a bold move from the Hon’ble FM to allocate the promised 6% of GDP to education. This has been a distant dream for decades. But we can’t afford to wait any longer. This isn’t just a number; it’s a lifeline. It’s what will make the difference between a country that merely gets by and one that leads the world in innovation, equity, and opportunity. Comprehensive teacher training programs, continuous professional development, and innovative teaching methodologies are the keys to unlocking the potential of our educators. With the mandates of the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) outlined in the NEP 2020, the budget must continue its progressive journey. Budget 2025 can envision a platform for establishing schools of choice in collaboration with players of repute and experience in the newly developed economic zones of the Government.
Real India and the future of India are in smaller towns/ I know firsthand the potential that lies in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where the aspiration level is phenomenal, and the growth potential is sky-high. To sustain the bulk of growth in real India, we need a budget that invests in these regions, not just in infrastructure but in creating equitable access to high-quality education. It’s time for every school, private or public, to have access to digital infrastructure, teacher training programs, and tools that ensure no child is left behind because of their postal code.
Private schools and public education are partners in building a better future. As private school operators, we are confident of progressive policies that allow us to collaborate with the government, not compete. AI isn’t just the buzzword of the year; it’s the reality of our future. The government must fund programs that help schools integrate AI into classrooms, not just in elite institutions but everywhere. Similarly, vocational training and industry partnerships must be scaled up. I am expecting budget incentives towards scaling up with AI, skills building and vocational training for Schools that will enable the upliftment of teachers as well. It is only through equitable pay structures that teaching would become a profession of choice in the country.
Also Read: Budget 2025 Expectations: Prioritise EdTech, Innovation, and Partnerships for a Future-Ready Economy
We must make education more inclusive and accessible for children from every background. Specially-abled must get support through all means for their learning – whether it’s through scholarships, fee subsidies, or funding for inclusive education programs for children with special needs, this budget must focus on breaking barriers. Budget 2025 can be that turning point. Let it be a year of progress—a year where education is not just funded but truly prioritized.
Views expressed by: Kanak Gupta, Group Director, Seth M.R. Jaipuria Schools
