Union Budget 2026: Education Sector Leaders Urge Bigger Fiscal Push
Leaders call for higher allocations to boost NEP-2020 goals on quality, equity, digital learning, and future ready skills
Mumbai, Jan 22 : As Union Budget 2026 approaches, education sector leaders are urging the government to provide a stronger fiscal push aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly to enhance quality, equity, and future readiness in schools and higher education.
Industry experts emphasise that translating policy intent into measurable outcomes requires sustained investment in teacher development, infrastructure, digital learning, and skill based education.
Empowering Teachers and Expanding Skill Education
Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman of the Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions, stressed that teacher professional development is critical. “Empowered educators raise the standard of learning more than anything else,” he said, adding that vocational and skill-based programs for students in classes 6–8 should receive structured funding.
Jaipuria also highlighted the importance of AI integration in schools, digital infrastructure improvements in rural areas, and public-private partnerships to bring global standards to Indian education.
Strengthening Digital and Institutional Capacity
Siddharth Banerjee, CEO of Univo Education, noted that investments should focus on digital transformation, academia-industry collaboration, and institutional capacity building to prepare India’s youth the world’s largest demographic for future careers. He highlighted that improved digital infrastructure will help mainstream online education, boost enrollment rates, and support NEP-2020 objectives.
Bridging Urban Rural Gaps and Enhancing Equity
Shweta Sastri, Managing Director of Canadian International School, Bengaluru, underlined the need for higher allocations to expand K–12 schools, strengthen educational infrastructure, and reduce urban-rural disparities. She added that technology integration and lower interest rates on education loans would improve access and inclusion, particularly for underprivileged students.
Translating Policy Into Outcomes
Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee of Greenwood High International School, said the budget should focus on upskilling students, enhancing blended learning ecosystems, and aligning curricula with industry requirements. She stressed that addressing the needs of rural and underserved regions is essential to empower educators and improve learning outcomes.
Education stakeholders hope that Budget 2026 will not only increase allocations but also strategically invest in programs that deliver measurable improvements, fostering a future-ready, inclusive, and high-quality education ecosystem across India.
