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Pre-Budget Quote by Ms. Poulomee Ghosh, Senior Partner– TRANSEARCH India- Non-Profit & Education Practice
“As we approach the 2024 interim budget, we eagerly anticipate the government’s renewed commitment towards investing in the future of the country’s children and youth through a focus on quality education, which is inclusive and accessible for all, along with providing relevant knowledge and skills for meeting the diverse challenges of the future. It is important to understand, that the education system of a country serves as a cornerstone in its progress and development, demanding a commitment of incremental allocations year on year. While the post-COVID era witnessed some higher allocation in school and higher education budgets, we expect that this budget will prioritise funding for need-based financial aid, and harness technology aiming to provide equal opportunities for higher education access irrespective of financial circumstances. We hope that the budgetary allocation for education, over the next few years, will inch towards the figure of 6% of GDP, as desired by the National Education Policy, serving as a base to enhance the learning outcomes and upskilling within the country.
We look forward to the budget allocating funds for research and development, promoting expansion into newer areas of specialization and the progress of knowledge. Support for faculty and staff professional development is also crucial. Additionally, we anticipate an augmentation in funding for initiatives that support diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to provide equal opportunities for success amongst all.”
As a woman entrepreneur, my expectations from the upcoming budget are rooted in addressing the gender disparity in the workforce. To narrow the gap, I suggest introducing incentives for rural women entering the workforce, encompassing subsidies for household expenses and utility bills. If put into action, this initiative will not just encourage financial independence for women but also drive growth in rural income. Furthermore, it is imperative to translate existing policies into corporate action. Granting benefits like tax holidays and government funds access to companies embracing maternity leave and gender equal pay will propel execution. Additionally, facilitating more women to become founders requires offering financial grants and streamlined access to prestigious institutions like IIT/IIM incubators and accelerators. This will not only foster female entrepreneurship but also contribute to a thriving and diverse business ecosystem– said Ms. Sakshi Bakshi, CEO of EPIA
