Chennai: Prof. E Balagurusamy, former Vice Chancellor of Anna University and ex-member of the Union Public Service Commission, has called on the Finance Minister of India to significantly increase budget allocations to support the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Prof. Balagurusamy praised NEP 2020 for its clear roadmap to achieve educational goals, such as 100% school enrolment by 2030 and a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2035. However, he highlighted the current insufficient budget allocations: 3.1% of GDP for education and 0.69% for research, compared to NEP's targets of 6% and 2% respectively.

He stressed that doubling the GER requires substantial investment from central and state governments. With 40% of faculty positions vacant and concerns over faculty quality, increased funding is crucial. He quipped the University Grants Commission (UGC) for hastily implementing NEP initiatives without adequate planning, which could harm the quality of Indian education.

The former VC of Anna University called for a strategic investment policy focusing on creating new institutions, improving faculty quality and quantity, and boosting research capabilities. He urged for budget allocations to meet NEP's targets and for a well-defined framework to ensure effective implementation involving various central ministries, regulatory bodies, state governments, and industries.

"Quality education and innovative research are essential for Atmanirbhar Bharat and India's progress towards becoming a developed nation by 2047," he concluded, emphasizing the need for a substantial budget increase.