The article from the Times of India discusses the recent budgetary allocations made by the Telangana government, particularly focusing on the education sector and its impact on students in social welfare institutions.
In a significant move, the Telangana government has increased the fund allocation for the education sector, with a particular emphasis on students enrolled in social welfare institutions. This decision is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of education and provide better facilities to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The budget for the education department in Telangana has been set at ₹21,292 crore, which accounts for approximately 7.3% of the total state budget. This allocation is slightly higher than the previous year’s budget of ₹19,472 crore. Out of this amount, ₹3,350 crore is earmarked for higher education, while ₹17,942 crore is allocated for school education.
One of the key areas of focus is the infrastructure development in universities. The government has proposed ₹500 crore for this purpose, with specific allocations for Osmania University, Women’s University, and other varsities in the state. This includes ₹100 crore each for Osmania University and Women’s University, and the remaining amount for other universities.
The government also plans to transform Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into centers of excellence for skilling, which is expected to enhance vocational training and employment opportunities. Additionally, there is a plan to fill existing teacher vacancies in schools through a mega District Selection Committee (DSC) recruitment drive, involving 11,062 posts. New courses are also being introduced for degree and engineering students, which will be offered as electives across various streams.
The allocation for social welfare institutions is particularly noteworthy. The government aims to improve the educational standards in these institutions by providing necessary facilities and resources. This includes converting Anganwadi centers into pre-schools and setting up integrated residential schools that will cater to students from SC, ST, BC, and minority communities. These schools will be established on a 25-acre campus in each district, ensuring comprehensive educational facilities, including transportation, to students in their native villages.
Despite these efforts, there are ongoing concerns about the overall budget allocation for education in Telangana. The state’s allocation of 7.3% of its budget for education falls short of the national average of 14% and is significantly lower than the 12.7% allocated by neighboring Andhra Pradesh.
Critics and education experts argue that the current budget is insufficient to bring about substantial improvements in the education sector. They emphasize the need for a more substantial increase in spending to align with the recommendations of various educational commissions and policies. The Telangana Save Education Committee has even demanded that the government allocate at least 20% of the total budget for the education sector, highlighting the neglect of education funding over the past decade.
The broader context of education funding in India also underscores the challenges faced by Telangana. Compared to developed countries, India allocates a significantly lower percentage of its GDP for science and technology, with only 0.8% allocated, far below the 2.8% to 3.5% seen in well-developed nations. The New Education Policy 2020 has led to an allocation of only 2.59% of the national budget for education, which is deemed inadequate by many experts.
In conclusion, while the Telangana government’s increased allocation for education is a positive step, it remains to be seen whether this will be sufficient to address the systemic issues and disparities in the education sector. The need for greater autonomy for states in educational matters, stricter implementation of educational policies, and a significant boost in funding are all critical factors that need to be addressed to improve the quality and accessibility of education in Telangana and beyond.
[Original Article](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/telangana-govt-increases-fund-allocation-for-students-in-social-welfare-institutions/articleshow/114903449.cms)