As the nation holds its breath in the hope of the Union Budget 2024, the EdTech sector, a vibrant force in India’s educational ecosystem, stands ready with its wishlist. Having enhanced the way students learn and teachers teach, the sector now looks to the government for a boost that will help it further its mission of democratizing quality education. With a focus on infrastructure, innovation, incentives, and resources, EdTech's wish list reflects the sector's aspirations for a future where technology and education work hand in hand to create an inclusive learning environment in India.
But what exactly does the EdTech sector hope for?
EdTech industry players have high expectations for Union Budget 2024, but iDream Education hopes for measures that will enhance education access and quality for last-mile learners through:
- Allocation of funds and resources for the deployment of manpower to provide continuous guidance to teachers and students on using technology effectively in schools, said Rohit Prakash, Co-Founder of iDream Education. He also emphasized the need for ongoing data support for teachers, enabling them to better understand students and offer personalized guidance, which will enhance the overall learning experience in classrooms.
- Rohit Prakash further added that in the Union Budget 2024, I also hope for the inclusion of provisions to incentivize teachers based on the achievement of academic goals. Through this, we can motivate teachers by recognizing and rewarding their efforts in improving student outcomes. By linking incentives to academic achievements, the government can foster a culture of excellence in teaching, encouraging teachers to go beyond teaching to improve learning outcomes. Such a measure is likely to boost morale within the teaching community and attract talented individuals to the profession, ultimately benefiting the entire education ecosystem
He then concluded by saying, “Eight years of comprehensive work in government schools have revealed a critical gap: a lack of accountability in implementing and utilizing educational solutions. State governments often prioritize hardware distribution without digital content and reporting, leaving teachers uncertain about the use of technology for teaching.” To address this, I hope for a provision/system that incentivizes and adds manpower to ensure the effective use of education technology. By aligning these efforts, the EdTech sector can contribute to achieving National and State Education Outcomes.
Now, Let’s look at some of the key expectations of EdTech Players highlighted by Abhinav, senior correspondent in The Week Magazine,
- The reduction of GST on upskilling and reskilling programs to make them more affordable for students. This change could significantly enhance access to these vital programs, equipping students with the skills necessary for the evolving job market.
- Additionally, there is a growing call to bring skilling and reskilling programs under the purview of education loans. This move would attract more students to these programs by making them financially accessible, thus broadening their scope and impact.
- The sector also looks forward to increased support for digital infrastructure in schools and more funding for innovative educational technologies. This support is crucial for modernizing the education system and ensuring that students have access to the best learning resources.
- Moreover, there is a push for GST to be applicable to both print and digital solutions to create efficiencies in the educational ecosystem. This step is seen as essential for making education accessible, affordable, and effective for millions of students across the country.
- Further, additional budget allocations for technology-driven learning and blended learning environments can help bring the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to life. By embracing these initiatives, the education sector can create a more dynamic, inclusive, and effective learning environment for all students.
EdTech companies are optimistic about the potential for a substantial boost to the education budget, exceeding the current 13% to create a sustained funding stream for vital educational programs, enabling the modernization of infrastructure and the seamless integration of technology in schools and universities. This increased investment could bolster the entire educational framework, providing students and teachers with the resources they need to thrive in the digital age.
The Indian EdTech sector is on the cusp of a transformative period, and the Union Budget 2024 could be a defining moment.
The collective aspirations of industry leaders emphasize the need for comprehensive policies and investments to unleash the full potential of technology in enhancing education and achieving National and State Education Outcomes.
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(Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors Rohit Prakash, Co-Founder, iDream Education and Ayushi Agarwal, Assistant Manager, Marketing & Content Writing, iDream Education. The matter and intent of this article has not been edited by skillreporter.com. Skill Reporter shall not be responsible for any damage if caused to any person/ organization directly or indirectly.)