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The Economic Survey for 2024-25, tabled by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, is a bold roadmap for India’s future. With a sharp focus on education and human capital development, the survey is not just a set of statistics and targets; it's a reflection of India’s vision to become a global knowledge powerhouse by investing in its most precious asset—its people. From schools to universities, from digital literacy to skill education, the country’s education system is evolving rapidly, making strides towards inclusivity, quality, and access.
But what does this mean for India’s future? How are these plans taking shape? TICE takes a deep dive into the key takeaways from this year’s Economic Survey and how they align with the country's long-term growth and development goals.
School Education: Expanding Access and Ensuring Quality
India’s school education system, serving a massive 24.8 crore students across 14.72 lakh schools, is a monumental task. But it’s also an opportunity. With the backbone of 98 lakh teachers, the system is evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Government schools account for 69% of the total institutions, enrolling 50% of the students, while private schools make up 22.5% of the institutions and enroll 32.6% of students.
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The ambitious goal set by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is clear: to achieve 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2030. Presently, primary school GER stands at an impressive 93%, with efforts focused on bridging gaps at the secondary (77.4%) and higher secondary (56.2%) levels. This marks a substantial improvement from previous years, reflecting a country on a mission to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education.
The decline in dropout rates across the board is another sign of progress. Primary school dropout rates have fallen to 1.9%, upper primary to 5.2%, and secondary levels to 14.1%. These positive trends are a direct result of investments in infrastructure, sanitation, and digital resources in schools, paving the way for better retention.
One key aspect of this digital leap is the increase in technology infrastructure. The availability of computers in schools has risen dramatically from 38.5% in 2019-20 to 57.2% in 2023-24, and internet access has more than doubled from 22.3% to 53.9%. These technological improvements are helping bridge the digital divide, ensuring that students across the country have access to modern learning tools.
The government has also launched several initiatives to implement the NEP, such as Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, DIKSHA, and PM SHRI, aimed at improving overall educational outcomes. These initiatives are designed to ensure that no child is left behind, whether in terms of access, quality, or infrastructure.
Strengthening Early Childhood Education
One of the most exciting developments in the Economic Survey is the focus on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). With a growing recognition of the importance of foundational learning in a child's development, the government is now prioritizing play-based learning and holistic child development.
The introduction of programs like Aadharshila and Navchetana in April 2024 is a step forward in ensuring that young children get the best start possible. In addition, the NIPUN Bharat mission is working towards ensuring that every child achieves Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) by Grade 3 by 2026-27. Peer teaching has also emerged as a powerful tool in boosting FLN outcomes, reflecting the government’s commitment to innovation in education.
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Digital Literacy and Skill Education: Preparing for Industry 4.0
As we move further into Industry 4.0, education is shifting towards skill-based learning. The government is focusing on creating a workforce that is not just academically qualified, but equipped with the skills necessary for the jobs of tomorrow.
To achieve this, initiatives such as TeacherApp, a digital platform designed to empower educators with 21st-century teaching methods, are gaining prominence. In addition, the Survey highlights the integration of AI-driven teacher development, personalized learning software, student tutoring systems, and industry-relevant skill training into the education ecosystem.
The Economic Survey emphasizes that investments in skills, research, innovation ecosystems, and academic partnerships will be key to creating an education system that is not just world-class but also relevant to the needs of a fast-changing global economy.
Inclusive Education: A Commitment to Every Child
Inclusive education remains a cornerstone of India’s education reforms. The Samagra Shiksha initiative continues to promote the inclusion of children with special needs (CwSN), ensuring that no child is left behind due to disabilities. As part of this, the government has allocated funds for assistive devices, therapeutic interventions, and infrastructure improvements.
As of now, 11.35 lakh schools have ramps, 7.7 lakh schools have handrails, and 5.1 lakh schools have accessible toilets. These infrastructural improvements ensure that children with special needs have access to the same educational opportunities as their peers.
Higher Education: Expanding Access and Fostering Innovation
India’s higher education system is among the largest in the world, with 4.33 crore students enrolled in 2021-22, marking a 26.5% increase from 2014-15. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for the 18-23 age group has also seen significant growth, from 23.7% in 2014-15 to 28.4% in 2021-22. But this is just the beginning.
The Economic Survey calls for doubling the educational infrastructure and institutions to achieve a GER of 50% in higher education by 2035. This includes expanding public education opportunities, increasing scholarships for disadvantaged students, and expanding online education and Open Distance Learning (ODL) platforms.
In the next decade and beyond, all higher education institutions (HEIs) are expected to transform into multidisciplinary hubs of learning and research. The NEP 2020 envisions India as a global knowledge superpower, and the Economic Survey stresses that this transformation requires collaborative efforts from the Centre, States, Union Territories, and all Higher Education Institutions.
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Towards a Global Knowledge Superpower
The vision presented in the Economic Survey 2024-25 is clear: to position India as a global leader in knowledge, innovation, and education. With a deep focus on digital literacy, skill education, inclusive growth, and early childhood education, India is laying the foundation for a future where its youth is not just well-educated but also well-equipped to compete globally.
By 2040, India aims to have a robust and accessible education system that empowers its youth to lead the way in innovation, technology, and industry. As the country pushes forward with reforms across all levels of education, the commitment to investing in its most valuable asset—its people—remains the cornerstone of its growth strategy.
The Economic Survey 2024-25 paints a promising picture for India’s education sector, one that will drive economic growth, foster innovation, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. With continued investment, dedication, and a forward-thinking approach, India is poised to reshape its education landscape and, in turn, its future.
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