Budget 2022 Live Updates: 'Big win' for education, 'nothing for common man', experts give mixed reaction

Experts who have been asking the government to reopen schools have questioned the setting up of TV channels for providing supplementary education to students of Classes 1 to 12 by the central government mentioned in the Budget 2022 speech. They claimed that such a move cannot compensate for the learning loss caused during the pandemic, reported the PTI. 

Chandrakant Lahariya, an epidemiologist and public policy specialist who has been vocal against school closures, and Yamini Aiyar, president of Centre for Policy Research tweeted expressing their disappointment. 

The National Students Union of India (NSUI) has called the Union Budget 2022 disappointing. NSUI national president Neeraj Kundan said that students were expecting fees waive off, serious concern over the pending scholarship and fellowship to the students. He asked what happened to National research foundation which has been the budget headline since last two years.

Neeraj Kundan said that in her whole budget finance minister stressed on digital education and e-content but what she doesn't address is the basic problem of equipping the schools and colleges with laptops and computers. Another major problem is about the students who took education loan and were not placed, it is very difficult for such students to pay the EMI, NSUI demands to waive off three years EMI of such students, he said.

Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) said, "The Union Budget 2022 has failed to arrest the downward spiral of education and unemployment wave. The status quo maintained in the planned spending highlights the utter neglect of the pandemic-hit education sector."

SIO said it was hoping for the Budget to provide a major boost to education and remedy pandemic-induced loss, but it has been a disappointment.

"At a time when the youth are increasingly becoming anxious due to rising unemployment...the skill development initiatives didn't get any substantial increase in the funds, while the little money allotted for the development of entrepreneurship last year has remained unchanged," it said.

Thank FM @nsitharaman ji and PM Shri @narendramodi ji for allocating a record ₹ 1.04 lakh crore expenditure outlay on education in the #AatmanirbharBharatKaBudget. This is for the first time that expenditure on education is set to cross 1 lakh crore mark in an FY. pic.twitter.com/qNV8sij4Nq

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) February 1, 2022

According to ACADEMICS FOR ACTION & DEVELOPMENT (AAD), the idea of replacing human teachers with digital teachers in digital university is not appropriate for India, where huge diversity among students needs different explanations for better understanding. Secondly, this will inflict job cut, whereas huge number of elgibile and NET-qualified aspirants are looking for teaching jobs."

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?India’s economic growth estimated at 9.2% to be the highest among all large economies

?60 lakh new jobs to be created under the productivity linked incentive scheme in 14 sectorshttps://t.co/l8n91RCFOw

— PIB India (@PIB_India) February 1, 2022

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India’s economic growth in the current year is estimated to be 9.2 percent, the highest among all large economies

Details: https://t.co/tU9QUObLZz #AatmanirbharBharatKaBudget #Budget2022 pic.twitter.com/HpYb0TBzFa

— PIB India (@PIB_India) February 1, 2022

The Union Budget 2022-23 envisages a total outlay of Rs 39.45 lakh crore. Out of this, Ministry of Defence has been allocated a total budget of Rs 5.25 lakh crore, which is 13.31% of the total budget. This includes an amount of Rs 1.19 lakh crore for Defence Pensions.

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) February 1, 2022

Substantial amounts have been allocated towards Research and Development in several sectors including Defence.

The proposal to reserve 25 percent of the R&D Budget for Startups and Private entities is an excellent move.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 1, 2022

बहुत उपकार आपका,आपकी सरकार में टैक्स में छूट चाहिए तो दिव्यांग होना पड़ेगा,घर चाहिए तोBPL-APLहोना पड़ेगा इंसेटिव चाहिए तो उद्योगपतिहोना पड़ेगा कम इंट्रेस्ट पर लोन चाहिए तो किसान होना पड़ेगा मिडिल क्लास हैं तो थैक्यू से काम चलाना पड़ेगा #Budget2022 #ModiGovt #NirmalaSitharaman

— Swati mishra (@swatimishra2071) February 1, 2022

कॉरपोरेट टैक्स को 18 फीसदी से घटाकर 15 पर्सेंट कर दिया गया है।

सरकार ने अपने कॉरपोरेट दोस्त के लिए टैक्स कम किया

लेकिन मिडिल क्लास सैलरी पर्सन के लिए कोई राहत नहीं

हम दो और हमारे दोस्त के लिए #Budget2022@PMOIndia @nsitharamanoffc @nsitharaman #Budget2020 https://t.co/Ayojac8BNh

— Anees Akhter (@anees2003akhter) February 1, 2022

#Budget2022 @FinMinIndia pic.twitter.com/JbxijedoTE

— VruShabh Vyawahare (@VrushabhVyawah1) February 1, 2022

Some people and opposition leaders on #UnionBudget day
#Budget2022 pic.twitter.com/lYTaKLKgTH

— Bhushan Chalke (@bhushanchalke94) February 1, 2022

मोदी सरकार के बजट का सार #घटती_कमाई_बढ़ती_महंगाई#Budget2022 से हर वर्ग हताश व निराश है, ये बजट किसान, युवाओं, टैक्स पेयर्स और आम आदमी के मुंह पर करारा तमाचा है। बजट का केंद्र बिंदु पूंजीपति मित्रों का खजाना भरना और चुनावी राज्यों के लिए जुमलेबाजी करना मात्र था।#LollipopBudget pic.twitter.com/1BNhPuHc41

— Govind Singh Dotasra (@GovindDotasra) February 1, 2022

Digital University, 200 TV channels under e-VIDYA, digital ecosystem for skilling, digital currency and several other path-breaking initiatives in the #AatmanirbharBharatKaBudget lays a modern, pioneering and practical blueprint for steering India in the Amrit Kaal. pic.twitter.com/ATqsi7yOv7

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) February 1, 2022

#AatmanirbharBharatKaBudget substantially focusses on universalisation of quality education and skilling, promoting technology-enabled development, spurring income and investment, boosting job creation, enhancing ease-of-living, empowering citizens and ensuring welfare for all.

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) February 1, 2022

Krantikari Yuva Sangathan criticised Union Budget 2022 and said,"The Union Budget 2022 presented by the Finance Minister is a self-congratulatory budget, with no benefits for youth, students and the common masses. The budget remains completely silent on the grave unemployment crisis in the country...It is completely silent on the re-introduction of wealth tax and inheritance tax, as the wealth of billionaires has doubled in the pandemic years...The budget completely dashes the hopes and aspirations of the youth and students from deprived sections...No concrete plan has been announced to boost the health infrastructure in the country."

"This is a completely anti-people budget, with no benefits to the youth, workers, and common masses of the country. It simply exposes the pro-rich, pro-corporate nature of the ruling dispensation, which seeks to hide its real intentions behind lofty and misleading phraseology. KYS condemns the budget in strongest terms and would continue to strengthen its movement against this anti-people government," it said.

Rudra Sensarma, Professor of Economics, IIM Kozhikode said, "The Union Budget 2022's focus is to provide support to the growth momentum that is already underway. Short on big bang proposals, the budget's focus is on fiscal consolidation with spending directed at capital formation in the economy. Tax receipts have exceeded forecasts which helped the FM to almost meet the fiscal deficit target (the revised estimate for FY22 is higher than the budgeted estimate of 6.8% of GDP by only 100 basis points) – which is quite an achievement in difficult circumstances...However, the budget speech is silent on the disinvestment front. While the privatization of Air India had raised hopes of further progress on the disinvestment front, it is surprising to see that the disinvestment target (Rs. 65000 crore) is considerably lower than last year's target and the last year's actual figure of Rs 78,000 crore. Barring this disappointment, the budget is pro-growth and balances the stimulus-consolidation tradeoff quite comfortably." 

The ministries of social justice and empowerment, tribal affairs and minority affairs have all seen total allocations rise marginally in the Union Budget 2022, announced by the finance minister on Tuesday. All three offer major scholarship and fellowship schemes for students some of which have seen their budgets rise. But despite the increase, the budget estimates for some schemes are still below 2020-21 levels.

Read More | Union Budget 2022: Several scholarship, fellowships schemes for marginalised students face cuts

Pratham Barot, Co-Founder and CEO, Zell Education said, "With the rise in online education and the constant need to upskill, the government’s decision to provide international education for courses in financial management and fin-tech is truly a game changer. India today faces a major talent gap when it comes to qualified finance professionals. With the constant increase in demand for such professionals, this announcement will allow Indian students to study international courses in a more centralised and efficient manner. This is a win win for both companies and students as pursuing these courses will also allow students to have higher earning potential post graduation to kickstart their career with the right education to make them job ready."

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said, "This budget of the central government is like a hard blow on the financial federal structure. In this, no concern has been made for any section, nor has there been any talk of providing any relief. Whereas the BJP of the Central Government, which sold government properties to the capitalists, has become a party (company) of thousands of crores today."

केंद्र सरकार का यह बजट वित्तीय संघीय ढांचे पर एक कड़ा प्रहार करने जैसा है। इसमें न किसी वर्ग की कोई चिंता की गई है, न कोई राहत प्रदान करने की बात की गई है।
जबकि पूंजीपतियों को सरकारी संपत्तियां बेचने वाली केंद्र सरकार की भाजपा आज हजारों करोड़ की पार्टी (कंपनी) बन गयी है।

— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) February 1, 2022

Chief Minister's Office, Madhya Pradesh tweeted: "Due to increase in collection of central taxes in the current financial year 2021-22, Madhya Pradesh is likely to get an additional amount of about Rs 6000 crore from devolution in the current financial year."

वर्तमान वित्तीय वर्ष 2021-22 में केंद्रीय करों के संग्रहण में वृद्धि की वजह से बजट अनुमान से मध्यप्रदेश को वर्तमान वित्तीय वर्ष में लगभग 6000 करोड़ रुपए अतिरिक्त राशि devolution से प्राप्त होने की संभावना है।

— CMO Madhya Pradesh (@CMMadhyaPradesh) February 1, 2022

Punit Sindhwani, CEO, Paxcom said, "This year's budget is quite optimistic for the startup sector. Their contribution to economic growth has been recognised, and the tax incentive period for startups has been extended to four years from the date of incorporation. The retail and e-commerce sectors encompass a sizable startup community, and the allocation of Rs 6,000 crore in the Union budget 2022 to rate MSMEs over a five-year period is a commendable move to further encourage and cultivate this community, particularly small and medium-sized entrepreneurs."

Vineet Tyagi, Global CTO, Biz2X said, "The Government's aim to spread digital banking services to remote areas in India is a welcoming move. The Finance Minister proposes the inclusion of Post Offices in the core banking system customers. With this, Post Office account holders will be able to make online transactions and even transfer money to other bank accounts through net banking. This will be beneficial especially for farmers, senior citizens and SMEs in rural areas, enabling interoperability, and financial inclusion." He further added, “Acknowledging Digital rupee is a great acknowledgement by Government and is a massive digital boost. It will promote fintech and technology-based development which is a much needed push. The use of technology in every important project is the key highlight of this year’s budget and an epitome of “Naya Bharat.”

Shashi Banerjee, Director of Education, Shiv Nadar School said, "We welcome the education budget for 2022-23. Its focus on accessibility and digitalization of education amid a prolonged impact of the pandemic on learning due to the closure of schools brings a ray of hope. The new e-learning content delivery platform through internet, TV and smartphones, particularly to help rural and semi-urban students can bridge the gaps in learning across sections."

While the expansion of the present PM eVidya scheme, from 12 channels to 200 channels will improve accessibility to quality education, e-content in regional languages will motivate teachers to upskill, she said.

The private edtech sector welcomed the announcements of establishment of a Digital University, expansion of PM e-Vidya’s “One Class, One TV Channel” programme from 12 to 200 new TV channels to teach local languages, and e-content in regional languages in the Union Budget 2022. 

Read More | Budget 2022: Edtech sector welcomes Digital University, PM e-Vidya expansion, e-content

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, during the budget speech, acknowledged the need for supplementary teaching. "For this purpose, 'one class-one TV channel' programme of PM eVIDYA will be expanded from 12 to 200 TV channels. This will enable all states to provide supplementary education in regional languages for classes 1-12," she said.

She also announced the proposed setting up of a digital university, which will provide education in vernacular languages and ICT formats. 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal dubbed the Union Budget 2022-23 as "disappointing" and said it has nothing for the common people. In a tweet in Hindi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor noted that people had "high expectations" from the Union Budget during the corona period but there is nothing in it either for the common people or to reduce price rice.

करोना काल में लोगों को बजट से बहुत उम्मीद थी। बजट ने लोगों को मायूस किया। आम जनता के लिए बजट में कुछ नहीं है। महंगाई कम करने के लिए कुछ नहीं।

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 1, 2022

Aman Mittal, vice president of Lovely Professional University (LPU) said,  "This year’s budget recognizes the student loss due to school and college closures and the importance of supplementary teaching for building a resilient mechanism enabling quality education delivery. There is a greater focus on regional languages and vocational courses for students to unleash their creativity and explore multi-faceted avenues. The new-age initiatives to develop high-quality e-content in all spoken languages for radio, television, and digital channels in order to reach students in rural areas, is truly commendable. The revolutionary concept of a digital university, which will provide students with access to world-class quality education will be developed on a hub-and-spoke network. Additionally, to promote modern-day agriculture, states will be urged to alter agricultural university curricula to fit the needs of natural, low-cost, and organic farming techniques. The government's actions for the education industry in FY23 are well-considered in light of the current situation" 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi describes Union Budget as people-friendly and progressive.

Speaking on #AatmanirbharBharatKaBudget 2022. https://t.co/vqr6tNskoD

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 1, 2022

“Saksham Anganwadis are a new generation anganwadis that have better infrastructure and audio-visual aids, powered by clean energy and providing improved environment for early child development. Two lakh anganwadis will be upgraded under the scheme,” Finance Minister Nirmala Sithraman said.

READ | Union Budget 2022: Two lakh anganwadis to be upgraded, says Nirmala Sitharaman

Kiran Dham, CEO, Globus Infocom Ltd, "The government’s budget 2022 announcement included steps to push online education via having digital universities with 200 channels and providing education in multiple regional languages which will facilitate supplementary learning and help the education ecosystem to deliver world-class education to learners. We are motivated to see Government’s focus on creating enriching e-content & content delivery platforms clubbed with better offline pedagogical methods by training teachers in order to create a holistic learning ecosystem. Also, the expansion of “One Class One TV Channel” will help in tackling continued learning even in a pandemic. We, being a part of this industry, do look forward to the positive impact this will make."

Anjela Taneja, leads the work on inequality, health, and education at Oxfam India, said, "Outcome budget for gender in education. Seriously, why do we think gender-segregated residential schools and self-defense training combined with WASH facilities and uniforms is all that we need to highlight for girls' education?"  

So #BudgetSession2022 #Thread . Universalization of quality education without any focus on improvement of actual schools. Only digital? pic.twitter.com/eKwUoW9U8N

— Anjela Taneja (@anjela_taneja) February 1, 2022

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticised Union Budget 2022 and said, “This budget will prove to be a budget to increase inflation, to fill the pockets of industrialists and to empty the pockets of common man, farmer and labourer. #Budget2022.” 

यह बजट महंगाई बढ़ाने वाला, उद्योगपतियों की जेब भरने वाला एवं आम आदमी, किसान, मजदूर की जेब खाली करने वाला बजट साबित होगा। #Budget2022 pic.twitter.com/nupaXNEeOx

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) February 1, 2022

Immediately after the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Union Budget 2022, reactions started pouring in on social media. While West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted in all caps and said Budget 2022 has nothing for common people, the leader of Communist Party, Sitaram Yechury asked, “Budget for whom?”.

READ | ‘Zero for common people’, ‘Not the answer’: Opposition leaders, educationists on Budget 2022

Sudarshan Suchi, CEO, Save the Children, told Careers360, "It’s encouraging to see recognition of gap in learning outcomes and devising part strategy to combat learning loss enhanced due to the pandemic. Steps like supplementary teaching and continued focus on One Class One TV through PM e-Vidya expanding to 200 channels with a dedicated focus on regional languages for classes up to 12th can make a big difference, ensuring recovery of learning loss. This initiative needs to be complemented by Safe Back to School and face to face quality education. It is critical the initiative reaches the most marginalized children having limited access to technology. Simultaneously, aligning NSQF with industrial needs must also focus on skilling for development professionals including frontline workforce such as AWWs (with special focus on FLN skills), Healthcare and Child Protection Workforce for effective service delivery for the most marginalised children. However, there is no specific budget allocation for Early Childhood Education (ECE). Save the children demands specific allocation ranging between 1.5 to 2.2% of GDP for ECE.”

"A crucial component of this is the provision of supplementary teaching aid for Grades 1-12 by state governments in regional languages through the expansion of the present PM eVidya scheme, from 12 channels to 200 channels. This is a big win for inclusivity in the education sector. In a pragmatic move to ensure the production of high quality e-content, it has promised to develop a competitive structure within which teachers- who will be responsible for developing and delivering the content- will be empowered with digital tools and training. This is a great way to motivate teachers to develop their skills as well as produce better educational outcomes, something that our school has put in practice and received great results for it,” Shashi Banerjee, Director of Education, Shiv Nadar School, added.

On Education Budget 2022, Shashi Banerjee, Director of Education, Shiv Nadar School: "Shiv Nadar School believes that digital learning is here to stay, therefore, we welcome the education budget for 2022-23. Its focus on accessibility and digitalization of education amid a prolonged impact of the pandemic on learning due to the closure of schools brings a ray of hope. The new e-learning content delivery platform through internet, TV and smartphones, particularly to help rural and semi-urban students can bridge the gaps in learning across sections. It is commendable that the budget outlined strategic steps to improve accessibility of quality education for students all over the country."

Vaidyanathan V, CFO At Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, said, "The Budget 22 has provided a much-required push to the economy by increasing the allocation to Capital Expenditure by about 35%. The budget has given thrust to the Gati Shakti – for sustainable growth. The budget has also given a push to the digital economy, introduction of Digital currency starting 200 TV channels to fill the gap in learning of the children due to the pandemic are some of the welcome points. Repealing 1486 Acts, which were redundant, introduction of e-passport, thrust for EV (electric vehicle) by introduction of charging stations and battery swapping are all welcome moves. Modification to the filing of tax returns for rectification/ including left out income at a nominal fee is a welcome move to avoid litigation."

The ministry of finance said, "Start-ups have emerged as drivers of growth for our economy. Over the past few years, the country has seen a manifold increase in successful start-ups. Eligible start-ups established before 31.3.2022 had been provided a tax incentive for three consecutive years out of ten years from incorporation. In view of the Covid pandemic, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to extend the period of incorporation of the eligible start-up by one more year, that is, upto 31.03.2023 for providing such tax incentive."

Nirmala Sitharaman announced that for developing India specific knowledge in urban planning and design, and to deliver certified training in these areas, up to five existing academic institutions in different regions will be designated as centres of excellence. These centres will be provided endowment funds of ` 250 crore each. In addition, AICTE will take the lead to improve syllabi, quality and access of urban planning courses in other institutions.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that in vocational courses, to promote crucial critical thinking skills, to give space for creativity, 750 virtual labs in science and mathematics, and 75 skilling e-labs for simulated learning environment, will be set-up in 2022-23. High-quality e-content in all spoken languages will be developed for delivery via internet, mobile phones, TV and radio through Digital Teachers. A competitive mechanism for development of quality e-content by the teachers will be set-up to empower and equip them with digital tools of teaching and facilitate better learning outcomes.

Two lakh anganwadis will be upgraded under the Saksham Anganwadis scheme which aims at new generation anganwadis that have better infrastructure and audio-visual aids for early child development, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said

All India Council For Technical Education said,"We thank finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for mentioning AICTE in her Budget2022 speech in the Parliament today. It has been our endeavor to work towards nation building and we shall strive to fulfill the roadmap laid out in the #budget with greater fervor." While AICTE will work on improving urban planning courses, 5 academic institutions on urban planning will be made centres of excellence. These institutions will receive endowment of Rs 250 crore each, said finance minister.

#AICTEdge
We thank Hon'ble @FinMinIndia @nsitharaman @mygovindia for mentioning #AICTE in her #Budget2022 speech in the Parliament today.
It has been our endeavor to work towards Nation building & we shall strive to fulfill the roadmap laid out in the #budget with greater fervor. pic.twitter.com/KZJRbhn9gY

— AICTE (@AICTE_INDIA) February 1, 2022

IIT Kanpur Director Abhay Karandikar said, "Budget 2022 announcement on Design-led manufacturing to build a strong ecosystem for 5G to be launched as part of PLI Scheme will boost indigenous development. A big boost towards AtmaNirbhar Bharat for Digital India."

#Budget2022 announcement on Design-led manufacturing to build a strong ecosystem for #5G to be launched as part of #PLI Scheme will boost #indigenous development. A big boost towards #AtmaNirbharBharat for #DigitalIndia.@nsitharaman @FinMinIndia

— Abhay Karandikar (@karandi65) February 1, 2022

With the rise in online education and the constant need to upskill, the government’s decision to provide international education for courses in financial management and fin-tech is truly a game changer. India today faces a major talent gap when it comes to qualified finance professionals. With the constant increase in demand for such professionals, this announcement will allow Indian students to study international courses in a more centralised and efficient manner. This is a win win for both companies and students as pursuing these courses will also allow: Pratham Barot, Co-Founder and CEO, Zell Education

Aishwarya Rao, Director, The Vivekalaya Group of Institutions, said, "The acknowledgement and agreement to direct more of our GDP towards education was a welcome progression at this year's budget. The wider the net of education spreads, it's fair to predict that the faster the country will progress. Through the pandemic education has largely been through screens (phone, monitor, tv). Our greatest learning perhaps is that we can bring education to living rooms and homes. The expansion of the One Class One TV channel is a step towards making education accessible to all."

The Union Budget 2022 announced today was a hit and miss for the education sector. While it has finally addressed and recognized the learning loss the pandemic has created, the need to develop the digital infrastructure of the country was not adequately focused in the budget. The economically disadvantaged students especially in rural areas have lost essential years of education and introduction of supplementary teachers was highly necessary. Supplementary education can help bridge the gap to a large extent: Mona Lisa Bal, chairperson of KiiT International School. 

“As the budget encourages skills development and digitization. Reskilling and Upskilling will be key to getting students ready for digital jobs. Global trends suggest the evolution of the creator's economy. Soloprenurship and freelancing will be a big trend in the future. Digital and creators' skills can uplift many young job seekers and get them ready to be meaningfully employed without leaving their cities or villages. We need to focus on workplace experiences along with skilling, re-skilling and upskilling. This will drive the creators economy in India," Manav Subodh, Managing Director, 1M1B (One Million for one Billion).

On Education Budget 2022, Manoj Chawla, CBO, Tribyte Technologies said:

1. Digital ecosystem for skilling and livelihood (DESL) portal is a acknowledgment that online education can support the traditional learning pedagogies

2. Allocation towards education has been increased to 1.42 lakh crore. This is a significant change from previous years. The fine print may reveal investment in resource development, something which was much needed.

On Union Budget 2022: Jagdish Bishnoi, CEO of SAFL India Foundation and Research Scholar, said, "The Union budget 2022 has molded the education sector towards digital learning bridging the gap in a pandemic, launch of eVidya scheme will make the students grab more opportunities other than academic skills. The launch of Digital University will boost the confidence amongst the young generation access to world-class quality education and Digital Desh e-portal will help to skill the new generation. The budget has also opened up the door for entrepreneurship and skill up to generate new outcomes for the nation, Make in India can give 60 lakh new jobs overall young generation has got an abundance of opportunities to utilize for their future endeavor"

Neelima Kamrah, Principal of KIIT World School Gurugram, said, “Union Budget 2022 has given the education system to nourish all the children while sitting at home in this COVID era, launching of eVidya for school children will bridge the education gap. This will make the education sector back to work again through digital learning and the establishment of a digital university, giving students an opportunity towards skill development as well. The launch of the digital university under the PM scheme will make the young generation access world-class quality education and this will make students make their careers stronger and better. The skill development program will help our youth to enhance their skills and make their name in their field. The budget has opened up the door for Women under the scheme Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, and Mission Anganwadi giving opportunities for women to skill and get financially stable”

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to significantly step up the public investment by raising capital expenditure by 35.4 per cent to Rs 7.5 lakh crore or 2.9 per cent of the GDP in the next financial year. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced Union Budget 2022 today

Total funds to "student financial aid" has been cut from Rs 2,482.32 crore in the budget estimates for 2021-22 to Rs 2,077.85 crore in the next financial year.

Among the various research schemes funded by the centre, Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) saw an increase in budget allocation this year with Rs 74 crore. Last year, this scheme was allocated only Rs 10 crore. Other research schemes like IMPRINT, a Pan-IIT and IISc joint research initiative got Rs 10 crore, down from Rs 25 crore last year. The Scheme for Transformational and Advanced Research in Sciences, or STARS saw no change in the budget allocation with Rs 25 crore.

For the upcoming fiscal year, the centre has allocated Rs 2,042.95 to the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) with a decrease from the previous year’s budget of Rs 3,000 crore. A centrally sponsored scheme, RUSA supports state higher educational institutions.

For the upcoming fiscal year, the centre has allocated Rs 2,042.95 to the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) with a decrease from the previous year’s budget of Rs 3,000 crore. A centrally sponsored scheme, RUSA supports state higher educational institutions.

The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) has been allocated Rs 10.90 crore for the next financial year. Last year, the ABC system was allocated 50 crores which was later revised to Rs 28.79 crore.

In line with National Education Policy 2020, two schemes launched last year have seen cuts. PM e-Vidya has been allocated a nominal budget of Rs 1 lakh. In her budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the PM eVidya will be expanded to include over 200 channels from the current 12.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a budget of Rs 40,828.35 for the higher education sector, showing an increase of Rs 2,478.35 crore, or 6.46%, over the 2021-22 budget estimate. The allocation for higher education had dropped from Rs 38,350 in 2021-22 to Rs 36, 031.57 crore in the revised budget. The budget for the centre's ambitious project Higher Education Funding Agency, or HEFA has been reduced to the negligible sum of 1 lakh. The project has seen massive cuts since the 2021 where it was allocated only Rs 1 crore.

READ | Union Budget 2022 Analysis: Higher education outlay rises by 6.46 percent to Rs 40,828 Cr

Himanshu Gautam, Co-founder and CEO, Safalta Education Pvt Ltd, said, "The 2022 budget’s approach on aligning education with employability resonates with our vision. The National skill qualification framework will be of great help for right kind of talent creation for actual industry needs, on which Safalta contributes through its skill courses. We also aim to contribute to the government’s vision of providing supplementary education in regional languages for students of Class 9-12th. Safalta provides affordable, high-quality education through vernacular pedagogy for students of semi urban and rural India. Our commitment of creating an outcome-based learning Platform leading to employment will be magnified by the government’s push on creating a digital ecosystem through setting up of a digital university and DESH portal. We welcome the FM’s announcement to extend the period of co-operation up to 31st March’23 for tax incentive of Start-ups."

Chitra Ravi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Chrysalis, educational research and innovation organization, said, "The pandemic has completely altered the way of learning and has increased the pace of digital adoption in the education sector. With improved digital infrastructure and the new initiatives introduced by the government such as the 'One class, one TV ‘, strengthening online education, quality education can now be possible." 

"As Educators we should realize Technology has opened up lots of possibilities to improve the quality of education. Tech can be used for professional development of Teachers and also to get assessment insights from children. We can safely say that Technology has the potential to solve some of the traditional challenges and pandemic related challenges as well," she added.

"The need of the hour to make this vision a reality is by integrating a mobile-first, teacher-led education infrastructure, which can take digitization to the masses. Focusing on mobile will boost the reach significantly as India’s smartphone base is estimated to cross 83 crores in 2022, with rural India seeing the fastest growth. 97% of all internet users in India also access the internet via mobile devices, offering a massive opportunity for education to be delivered seamlessly to students and teachers across Bharat. Putting teachers at the center is the key, as the budget rightly identifies, to not just reach more students but to also deliver relevant and high-quality content in regional languages," Mihir Gupta, CEO and co-founder, Teachmint said.

On Education Budget 2022, Mihir Gupta, CEO and co-founder, Teachmint said, "Given the level of disruption the education ecosystem has seen over the past couple of years, it is safe to say that the Education Budget 2022 was one of the most eagerly awaited. And it is heartening to see that there is a significant provision for education in the budget and a strong focus on empowering teachers through digitization. From the expansion of PM E-Vidya to 200 channels to the setting up a digital university, the initiatives indicate that the government has put the spotlight on digitization to boost the penetration and access to education across Bharat." 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday described as an "excellent move" the proposal in the Union Budget to set aside 25 per cent of the defence R&D budget for start-ups and private entities in the financial year 2022-23. Singh also welcomed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement that 68 per cent of the defence capital procurement budget would be allocated towards procurement from domestic industry.

The 68 percent of defence capital procurement budget has been allocated towards local procurement.

It is in line with the ‘Vocal for Local’ push and it will certainly boost the domestic defence industries.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 1, 2022

"India has 200 million missing jobs today. No urban employment guarantee announced. MGNREGA allocation remains the same as last year Rs 73 lakh crore, which fell short by nearly Rs 50 lakh crore. A criminal assault on the livelihood of our youth," CPI(M) chief Sitaram Yechury said.

India has 200 million missing jobs today.
No urban employment guarantee announced.
MGNREGA allocation remains the same as last year ₹73Kcr, which fell short by nearly ₹50Kcr.
A criminal assault on the livelihood of our youth. #Budget2022

— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) February 1, 2022

The Union Budget provided nothing to the common people who have been "crushed" by unemployment and inflation, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday, terming it a "Pegasus spin budget". Banerjee said the Centre was lost in "big words" signifying nothing.

Funds for the Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas have increased. Kendriya Vidyalayas got Rs 7,650 crore for the next financial year and Navodaya Vidyalayas got Rs 4,115 crores.

PM Poshan which replaces the mid-day meal scheme has been allocated Rs 10,233.75; in 2021-22, the mid-day meal scheme was allocated close to Rs 11,000 crore.

Budget 2022: PM Poshan  

National Scheme for Incentive to Girls, a scholarship incentive scheme for girl children from Schedule Tribes and rural areas has been allocated no budget this year. The scheme had faced a cut of more than Rs 100 crore in Budget 2021. 

Budget 2022 | The budget estimates for the major schemes in the past few years are given below.

Ma'am, anything for #taxpayers ?

"Yeah, Thank you for the contribution".#BudgetBytes #incometax#Budget2022 #nifty50 #BudgetSession2022 pic.twitter.com/2gtY0ti4Ek

— Aman Sharma (@valueinvestor61) February 1, 2022

In the Union Budget 2022, the second budget after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, school education has been allocated Rs 63,449.37 crore, an increase of nearly Rs 9,000 crore over the current financial year. The country’s biggest school education scheme, the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, has been allocated Rs 37,383.36, an increase of more than Rs 6,000 crores from Budget 2021. However, the allocated budget for SSA is less than 2019, when Rs 38,750.50 crore was allocated. 

READ | Union Budget 2022: School education budget increases by Rs 9,000 crore

As the government of India has announced the Union Budget 2022 today and it has had a very positive impact on the Education and Fintech sector, Rohit Gajbhiye, CEO, Founder Financepeer said. "The budget balances out both the short term and long-term requirements of the country. Focus on Funds mobilization, Financial Inclusion, Modernization of Education infrastructure and curriculum, Special impetus for Startups and Entrepreneurship are some of the biggest takeaways from this budget. Startups have been given special recognition which reflects the government’s intent of building a conducive environment for business and entrepreneurship," he said.

Shekhar Jain, Co-founder, On My Own Technology (OMOTEC) said, "Setting up a digital university is an excellent step by the government. Also focus on teachers training for usage of new digital equipment along with making content available for students in grade 1 -12 in different languages is an excellent step in the right direction. Impetus being provided to Academic Institutions to focus on Research and Developement is an added welcome."

Providing quality education is a must!

Establishing Digital University on the lines of a hub & spoke model in collaboration with best public universities enable access to world-class quality universal education with personalised learning.#AatmaNirbharBharatKaBudget #Budget2022 pic.twitter.com/aqdjhZZUMA

— Dr. Ashwathnarayan C. N. (@drashwathcn) February 1, 2022

Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "Budget 2022-23 will boost growth and employment. Capital investment in infrastructure will improve living conditions."

Budget 2022-23 will boost growth and employment. Capital investment in infrastructure will improve living conditions.#AatmaNirbharBharatKaBudget

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) February 1, 2022

Higher education budget 2022 rose by Rs 2,477.7 crore, an increase of 6.46% over the previous year.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said a task force on animation visual effects, gaming and comic promotion will be set up to recommend ways to serve markets and global demand. In her Union Budget 2022-23 presentation, she also said states will be encouraged to adopt Unique Land Parcel Identification Number to facilitate IT-based management of land records. UDYAM, e-SHRAM, National Career Service, ASEEM portals will be interlinked and their scope will be widened with live organic databases.

Belying expectations, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not tinker with the personal income tax rates in the Budget for 2022-23. The minister also did not raise standard deduction, which was widely anticipated in view of elevated inflation levels and impact of the pandemic on the middle class. The standard deduction currently stands at Rs 50,000. There was no change income tax slabs in the personal income tax category in the Budget unveiled, PTI reported.

Union Budget 2022 | Outlay for PM Research Fellowship rises from Rs 150 crore to Rs 200 crore

Total funds to "student financial aid" has been cut from Rs 2,482.32 crore in the budget estimates for 2021-22 to Rs 2,077.85 crore in the next financial year.

Digital Rupee is proposed to be introduced by RBI using blockchain technology starting from 2022-23, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. Other major highlights of Budget 2022 are:

Union Budget 2022-23 Highlights. #AatmaNirbharBharatKaBudget pic.twitter.com/vlo49JsDHa

— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) February 1, 2022

Ajay Ramasubramaniam, Co-Founder & CEO, Startup Reseau: "Wearing a startup enabler lens, what is noteworthy is the mention of technologies ranging across AI, IOT, Blockchain and Digital across core sectors of the economy. India @ 75 is setting up a massive road map for India@100 to be a technology powerhouse in infrastructure, financial services, agriculture and national defense. Setting up a roadmap for adoption of CBDC and making digital and fintech as the priority of the Gov't stands out in the Budget 2022 announcement. Allocation of Ra 1,500 Crores for development initiatives in the North East is another big one, that should see the startup ecosystem grow in the region."

Poshak Agrawal, Co-Founder & CEO, Florence Capital, an Ethical Lending platform designed exclusively only for women, said, "We welcome the vision outlined in the Union Budget 2022 regarding digital payments and how it can be a key tool towards enabling financial inclusion. The Budget has acknowledged that taking forward the digital banking and fintech innovations is the way to go - it is proposed to set up 75 digital banking units in 75 districts of the country by scheduled commercial banks. We hope to be able to support this mission and vision of financial inclusion by providing secured, transparent and accessible credit to women. Financial inclusion will play a key role in ensuring that the goal of 9.2% economic growth is achieved."

On Budget 2022, Congress national general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "India’s Salaried Class and Middle Class were hoping for relief in times of pandemic, all round pay cuts and back breaking inflation. Finance Minister and Prime Minister have again deeply disappointed them in Direct Tax measures. This is a betrayal of India’s Salaries Class and Middle Class."

India’s Salaried Class & Middle Class were hoping for relief in times of pandemic, all round pay cuts and back breaking inflation.

FM & PM have again deeply disappointed them in Direct Tax measures.

This is a betrayal of India’s Salaries Class & Middle Class.#Budget2022

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) February 1, 2022

Karnataka education minister said, "The announcement by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri narendramodi of increasing the number of channels to teach in the local language of 'One Class, One TV Channel' is commendable. This will further facilitate the dissemination of education.

'ಒಂದು ತರಗತಿ, ಒಂದು ಟಿವಿ ಚಾನಲ್' ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಥಳೀಯ ಭಾಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಲಿಸಲು ಚಾನಲ್ ಗಳ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯನ್ನು 200 ಕ್ಕೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸುವ ಮಾನ್ಯ ಪ್ರಧಾನಿ ಶ್ರೀ @narendramodi ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಘೋಷಣೆ ಶ್ಲಾಘನೀಯ. ಇದು ಶಿಕ್ಷಣದ ಪ್ರಸರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ನೆರವಾಗಲಿದೆ.#AatmaNirbharBharatKaBudget @BSBommai @nsitharaman @nalinkateel https://t.co/ZnKyvEcTFJ

— B.C Nagesh (@BCNagesh_bjp) February 1, 2022

"Remarkable progress made in GST regime but there are still few challenges remaining. GST revenues are buoyant despite the pandemic," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Lok Sabha adjourned till tomorrow, February 2, 2022. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced Union Budget 2022 in the Parliament

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduces Finance Bill 2022.

Startups will be promoted to facilitate Drone Shakti through varied applications and for drones as a service: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says.

Five existing academic institutions for urban planning will be designated as Centre for Excellence with an endowment fund of Rs 250 crore each: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman 

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the establishment of a Digital University along with other initiatives to improve digital education in the country. A high quality e-content will be introduced in all spoken languages in the country, she added. World class universities will be allowed to offer courses in financial management, financial technology, science, and technology, free of Indian regulations, Sitharaman further said.

READ | Union Budget 2022: Finance minister announces Digital University, e-content in regional languages

The government is committed to reduce imports and promote self-reliance in the defence sector, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. She said that 68 per cent of capital for the defence sector would be earmarked for the local industry. Sitharaman also said that 5 per cent of Universal Service Obligation (USO) Fund would be provided for R&D and technology upgradation.

"I propose to provide that any income from transfer of any virtual digital asset shall be taxed at the rate of 30%. No deduction in respect of any expenditure or allowance shall be allowed while computing such income, except cost of acquisition," says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

The ministry of finance said gross Goods & Services Tax (GST) revenue collected in the month of January 2022 crossed Rs 1.38 lakh crore.

• Rs 1,38,394 crore gross GST Revenue collected for January 2022.
• White heavy check mark GST collection crossed Rs 1.30 lakh crore mark for the 4th time.
• White heavy check mark revenues for month of January 2022 15% higher than GST revenues in Jan. 2021 and 25% higher than the GST revenues in January 2020.

For Amrit Kaal, the next phase Ease of Doing Business 2.0 and Ease of Living to be launched 

• New phase to be guided by active involvement of states 
• Digitization of manual processes 
• Integration of central and state level systems 
• Single point for citizen services
  
  

Existing tax benefits for startups which were offered redemption of taxes for 3 consecutive years to be extended by 1 more year: Finance Minister

Total expenditure in financial year (FY) 23 estimated at Rs 39.45 lakh crore; total resources mobilisation to be Rs 22.84 lakh cr other than borrowing: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Digital banking, payments and fin-tech innovations have grown at a rapid pace in recent years. To mark 75 years of Independence, 75 Digital banking units will be set up in 75 districts of the country by scheduled commercial banks: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says. 

Both Centre and States govt employees' tax deduction limit to be increased from 10% to 14% to help the social security benefits of state govt employees and bring them at par with the Central govt employees: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Both Centre and States govt employees' tax deduction limit to be increased from 10% to 14% to help the social security benefits of state govt employees and bring them at par with the Central govt employees: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

To provide an opportunity to correct an error, taxpayers can now file an updated return within 2 years from the relevant assessment year: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

"Establishing a Digital University and over 200 channels covering multiple regional languages under the ‘One Class-One Channel’scheme are two very innovative and pathbreaking initiatives announced by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for education sector," President ICCR, Vinay Sahasrabuddhe says.

Establishing a Digital University and over 200 channels covering multiple regional languages under the ‘One Class-One Channel’scheme are two very innovative and pathbreaking initiatives announced by the FM @nsitharaman in Education sector! @dpradhanbjp #AtmanirbharBharatKaBudget

— Dr. VINAY Sahasrabuddhe (@Vinay1011) February 1, 2022

On digital university, Charu Malhotra, MD and Co-founder, Primus Partners says, "A central digital university has potential to help bridge not just a digital divide but a learning divide by creating access with a wide mix of courses, faculty, and digital learning tools through virtual learning environments."

On supplementary education, Charu Malhotra, MD and Co-founder, Primus Partners says, "We welcome the announcement of supplementary education channels and hope that a quality assurance process for certification of E content will be brought in."

All 1.5 lakh post offices in India will be connected to the core banking system that will enable people to access their account online and also transfer money within post office accounts and to other banks, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday proposed to launch a new scheme PM Development Initiative for North East, to promote the growth of the region. She also said that villages on the northern border of India will be covered under a new vibrant village programme to enhance development. As much as 95 per cent of 112 aspirational districts have made significant progress in health and infrastructure, the finance minister said in her Budget Speech 2022-23.

Digital rupee to be issued using blockchain and other technologies; to be issued by RBI starting 2022-23. This will give a big boost to the economy: FM Nirmala Sitharaman.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (Source: Lok Sabha TV)

Digital University to be set up to provide access to students across country, to world class quality universal education, with personalized learning experience University to be built on a network hub and spoke model, with collaboration of best public Universities: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Effective Capital Expenditure of the Central government is estimated at Rs 10.68 lakh crores in 2022-23, about 4.1% of GDP: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) sector offers immense potential to employ youth. An AVGC promotion task force with all stakeholders will be set up to recommend ways to realise this and build domestic capacity for serving our markets and the global demand."

The presentation of the budget in Parliament is made through the Union Budget Speech. The finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver her fourth Union Budget 2022 speech at 11 am today. It will be broadcast on television channels across the country as well as webcast online. It can be viewed online at indiabudget.gov.in. 

"400 new generation Vande Bharat trains with better energy efficiency and passenger riding experience will be manufactured during the next 3 years. 100 PM Gati Shakti Cargo terminals to be developed during next 3 years," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

A Twitter user said, "Digital india zindabad! TV channels to make up for school closures, digital university, digital tele mental-health -- who cares for digital divide. Another user has dubbed "Digital university to Byjus university".

digital india zindabad! TV channels to make up for school closures, digital university, digital tele mental-health -- who cares for digital divide #Budget2022

— Dipa Sinha (@sinhadipa) February 1, 2022

Urging to spend more in school education, a doctor user said, "Learning loss of two years to be compensated by Setting up TV channels, really????? It shows that we are not serious about loss of learning of our children.  Open the schools and get children back for in person learning."

#UnionBudget2022
Learning loss of two years to be compensated by
Setting up TV channels, really?????

It shows that we are not serious about loss of learning of our children.

Open the schools & get children back for in person learning.

Invest in school education

— Chandrakant Lahariya (@DrLahariya) February 1, 2022

While AICTE will work on improving urban planning courses, 5 academic institutions on urban planning will be made centres of excellence. These institutions will receive endowment of Rs 250 crore each, said finance minister. 

On PM E-vidya expansion, a policy reasercher said, "One class one TV, e-content is not the answer" for the learning loss faced by the students due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Kudos to FM for recognising loss from 2 years of school closure but really one class one TV, e-content is NOT the answer. Opening schools is the and. Are we so blind to realities on the ground?

— Yamini Aiyar (@AiyarYamini) February 1, 2022

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said," All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) will focus on improving urban planning courses."

60,000 houses will be identified as beneficiaries for PM Awas Yojana in rural and urban areas. In 2022-23 80 lakh houses will be completed for identified beneficiaries of PM Awas Yojana: Finance Minister says.

Hospitality services by the small and medium sector are yet to bounce back, therefore, the government has decided to extend the ECGL service for this sector by March 2023 with an increased cover of Rs 50,000: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

For mental health counselling, a National Tele Mental Health Program will be launched: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister says, For women-led development, our government has launched: 

1. Mission Shaki 

2. Mission Vatsalya 

3. Poshan 2.0

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "A digital university will be developed to provide access to students for world-class quality education with ISTE Standards."

2 lakh anganwadis will be upgraded in the country, says finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. 

Skilling programs will be reoriented. For skilling, upskilling and reskilling of our youth, Digital DESH e-portal will be launched. 'One Class One TV Channel' will be increased from 12 to 200 TV Channels to provide supplementary education in regional languages for class 1-12: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Covid-19 pandemic induced closure of schools, children in rural areas and SC, ST have lost almost two years od education. Recognise the need to impart supplementary teacher. One class, one tv channel, PM e-Vidya will be expanded from 12 to 200 television channels:Finance Minister

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "Select Industrial Training Institutes will have skill-based courses" in Budget 2022.

PM Gati Shakti is driven by 7 engines: roads, railways, airports, ports, mass transport, waterways. logistics infra All 7 engines will pull forward the economy in unison supported by energy transmission, IT communciation, bulk water and sewerage and social infrastructure: Nirmala Sitharaman.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

The implementation of the Ken-Betwa link worth Rs 44,605 crore will be taken up at providing irrigation of over 9 lakh hectares of farmers land providing irrigation, farming & livelihood facilities to farmers & local population: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Arun Jaitley is the former finance minister of India. 

As a part of Atma Nirbhar Bharat over 2,000kms will be brought under KAWACH the indigenous world-class technology in 2022-23. 'Parwatmala' for conventional roads in hilly areas to be taken in PPP modes. Natural farming will be promoted along Ganga corridor: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "Revise syllabi of agricultural universities to meet the needs of modern-day farming." 

PM Gati Shakti will encompass the 7 engines for multi-modal connectivity for the states with speedier implementation of development projects through technology to facilitate faster movement of people & goods through ₹20,000 crore financed by the govt to speed up this project: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "PM Gati Shakti will pull forward the economy and will lead to more jobs and opportunities for the youth."

Our economic recovery is continuing to benefit from the multiplier effect and the budget 2022-23 is designed primarily to benefit 2 core sectors: 

- Women, Students, Farmers

-Big public infrastructure for modernisation & development with PM Gati Shakti

Union Budget 2022 | Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "With our provision for public investment in the last budget, this budget continues to provide multiplier effect which will benefit youth, women, farmers, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes." 

Our budget focuses on taking India@75 to India@100. Last year budget has seen significant implementation. Strengthening of Health infrastructure, speedy implementation of vaccination program are evident for all: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

"We are marking Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, our focus is on: 1. Complementing micro and macro economy 2. Promoting digital economy 3. Private & public investments," Nirmala Sitharaman said during Budget speech 2022.

India's growth is estimated to be at 9.2%: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament.

Budget Speech begins

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces the Union Budget 2022 at the Parliament. Watch here

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has started presenting Union Budget 2022 in the Parliament. 

Budget speech begins

With tablet carefully kept inside a red coloured cover with a golden coloured national emblem embossed on it instead of the briefcase, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman went straight to Parliament after meeting the President at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Sitharaman, India's first full-time woman Finance Minister, had in July 2019 ditched the colonial legacy of a Budget Briefcase for the traditional Bahi-Khata to carry Union Budget Papers. She used the same in the following year, and in a pandemic-hit 2021, she swapped traditional papers with a digital tablet for carrying her speech as well as other Budget documents.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the union budget at 11 am. Live streaming link here

Union Cabinet approves the Budget 2022; the cabinet meeting underway at the Parliament has now concluded. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget shortly.

Union cabinet meeting concludes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other members were present. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today again took a digital tablet wrapped in a traditional bahi-khata style pouch as she headed for Parliament to present the Union Budget 2022-23 in a paperless format just like the last year.

Administrators at the National Institutes of Technology (NIT) said that the funds the union government allocates in the Union Budget is usually too meagre for significant expansion or research and in turn, impacts their ranking. The NITs are centrally-funded and run. In Union Budget 2021, they were allocated a total of Rs 3,935 crore. 

Read More | Union Budget 2022: NIT funds too little for expansion, research, ranking

The Budget 2022 speech can be watched live at the official Twitter and Facebook accounts of the ministry of finance or the official website, indiabudget.gov.in. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget 2022 today at 11 am.

Ministry of Finance - Click here

YouTube - Click here 

Facebook - Click here

International NGO, Save the Children has listed five demands for education from the Union Budget 2022. "#UnionBudget2022 provides an opportunity to increase public investment on children’s health, nutrition, education and mental well-being. We urge the government to make this happen," it said in a statement. 

#UnionBudget2022 provides an opportunity to increase public investment on children’s health, nutrition, education and mental well-being. We urge the Govt. to make this happen. Here are 5 recommendations for a Child-friendly #UnionBudget2022. @idr_onlinehttps://t.co/OkFLoFqpTI

— Save the Children India (Bal Raksha Bharat) (@stc_india) January 31, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for the union cabinet meeting. Union Budget2022 will be presented in the Parliament today. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Railways, Communications and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, and others also arrived at the Parliament.

PM Modi arrives at Parliament (Source: ANI)

Educational institutions often do not receive the grants allocated to them in time for utilisation. According to the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), the union government released only 38% of the budget for Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, India's largest school education scheme, by October. 

Read More | Union Budget 2022: Centre released only 38% of SSA budget till October, says study

Union Budget 2022: SSA saw major cuts in the budget last year (Image: Shutterstock

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the India Budget 2022 in less than half an hour. The minister has arrived at the Parliament.

FM @nsitharaman arrives at the Parliament@FinMinIndia#Budget2022 pic.twitter.com/1LnO5PsxdC

— DD News (@DDNewslive) February 1, 2022

Ahead of the announcement of the Union Budget 2022, the All India OBC Students Association (AIOBCSA)  wrote to the prime minister Narendra Modi with 10 demands for the education budget 2022. These included: 

• Support with accessing digital devices for online learning
• Increased allocation to the National Fellowship for OBCs
• Post Doctoral Fellowship for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) 
• More hostels
• Grants specifically targeting the education of OBCs 

Read More | Union Budget 2022: OBC students' 10 demands from Modi government for the marginalised 

The National Coalition on the Education Emergency (NCEE) has demanded increased outlay in Education Budget 2022. They said that there is "chronic under-investment in public education" 

Shortly, govts will release budgets. We hope they will fund education adequately. https://t.co/H0GqnlTlVh alerts us about the severe and chronic under-investment in public education, root cause of many of our social and economic ailments. Increase public financing of education

— Education Emergency (@EduEmergency) January 29, 2022

A truck loaded with budget copies arrives at Parliament, ahead of the presentation of Union Budget 2022, ANI reported.

Budget copies arrive at Parliament (Source: ANI)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at the Parliament. She will present the Union Budget 2022 today at 11 am.

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance along with Ministers of State for Finance, Dr Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, called on President Ram Nath Kovind before presenting the Union Budget 2022-23. pic.twitter.com/5xc3sfwyWr

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 1, 2022

• Directors and vice-chancellors of private colleges and universities demand better systems for research, boost in education infrastructure, reduction in GST rates, encouragement and involvement of private edtech startups in the Union Budget 2022.
• Private education sector hopes for a budget that can improve technology infrastructure, provide skill training to youth, tighten control on edu-tech, and introduce skill-oriented courses such as animation and design courses at the school level.

Union Budget 2022 remains crucial for the public and policymakers alike due to the prevailing Covid-19, Omicron situation in India, upcoming assembly elections 2022.

Union Budget 2022 remains crucial for the public and policymakers alike due to the prevailing Covid-19, Omicron situation in India, upcoming assembly elections 2022.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with Ministers of State for Finance, Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, Pankaj Chaudhary, and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, called on President Ram Nath Kovind before presenting the Union Budget 2022-23.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman meets President Ram Nath Kovind before Budget speech (source: ANI) 

The union government has spent 79 percent of the budget allocated for its flagship programme Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao (BBBP) on advertising, a Parliamentary committee report noted. On December 9, 2021, the report tabled in Parliament highlighted that out of a total of Rs 446.72 crore released during the period 2016- 2019, a whopping 78.91% was spent only on media advocacy instead of welfare interventions on education and health of girl child.

READ | Centre spent 79% funds for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao on advertising: Parliamentary Panel

The Economic Survey 2022 pointed towards the high drop-out rate included in the finding of the ASER survey. “ASER (Rural) report also found that during the pandemic, children (age 6-14 years) ‘not currently enrolled in schools’ increased from 2.5 percent in 2018 to 4.6 percent in 2021,” it said. The decline in enrollment was relatively high in younger age groups between seven and 10, especially among boys more than girls.

The ministry of finance said gross Goods & Services Tax (GST) revenue collected in the month of January 2022 crossed Rs 1.38 lakh crore.

Rs 1,38,394 crore gross GST Revenue collected for January 2022.

White heavy check mark GST collection crossed Rs 1.30 lakh crore mark for the 4th time.

White heavy check mark revenues for month of January 2022 15% higher than GST revenues in Jan. 2021 and 25% higher than the GST revenues in January 2020.

Union Budget 2022 |  Download the Union Budget Mobile App and access the document in both English and Hindi on your mobile phone after it is presented in the Parliament by the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. 

Stay up-to-date with #UnionBudget2022! Download the Union Budget Mobile App and access the document in both English & Hindi on your mobile phone after it is presented in the Parliament.
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— Digital India (@_DigitalIndia) January 31, 2022

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman lays down six pillars of Union Budget 2021-22:

Health and Well-Being

Physical and Financial capital and infrastructure

Inclusive Development for Aspirational India

Reinvigorating Human Capital

Innovation and R&D

Minimum Government, Maximum Governance

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Union Budget 2022-23 in Parliament at 11 am. The finance minister will present a statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government of India for the year 2022-23. She will present the India Budget in Rajya Sabha, a statement both in English and Hindi.

The Union Budget 2022 will be read out today at 11 am in Parliament. The finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman will make her speech following which the detailed budget documents will be uploaded on the official Union Budget website, indiabudget.gov.in.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman leaves from Ministry of Finance to meet President Ram Nath Kovind. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Union Budget 2022 (Source: DDNews/Twitter)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman leaves from the Ministry of Finance.  She will present and read out the  #Budget2022 at the Parliament through a tab, instead of the traditional 'bahi khata'. Last year too the finance minister presented the Budget 2021-22 at the Parliament through a tab to avoid the spread of COVID-19 infection.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the budget speech at 11 am today, February 1. The Lok Sabha will meet today for the release of India Budget 2022. While the budget speech usually lasts for two hours, last year Nirmala Sitharaman delivered the longest budget speech lasting for 160 minutes.

The last two years of the pandemic have witnessed increase in violence against women and children as the most vulnerable amongst all. “Moreover, there has been an increased burden of unpaid care work on women along with issues like increase in child marriage among girls and domestic violence,” states FPC’s demand statement. 

The Feminist Policy Collective suggests raising the allocation for education to 6% of GDP and 5% of the budget. “This must enable bridging the digital divide, ensure free secondary education for girls, scholarships and other incentives. The recommendation from FPC also suggests that education scholarships should be provided for both pre-matric and post-matric for children in families engaged in unclean occupations,” the statement notes.

Increase education outlay: Women's group

Activists complain that there has been no effort from the central and state governments to address learning gaps and the increase in school dropouts. They also called for less investment in education technology and more investment in teacher training. Some also said that the central government needs to provide a budgetary road map for the Right to Education Act, 2009 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

READ | Union Budget 2022: Fund offline classes, not edtech, for school children, say activists

The Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research for India's Developing Economy' (STRIDE) was launched by then education minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ in July 2019. Public universities that usually have large grants to conduct transformational research were invited to submit proposals. The current education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan informed the Parliament on December 6, 2021 that the union government has released Rs 11.50 crore for 35 institutions selected under STRIDE. However, the funds are far from sufficient.

READ | Union Budget 2022: UGC research schemes stalled as education ministry stops funding

Last year, the funds for the Kendriya Vidyalayas increased from Rs 5,516 crore to Rs 6,800 crore. The budget allocation to Navodaya Vidyalayas was also increased by Rs 500 crore. A sum of Rs 3,300 crore was allocated to Navodaya Vidyalayas this fiscal, which has been raised to Rs 3,800 crore for the upcoming fiscal. The mid-day meal scheme saw an increase of Rs 500 crore as the total allocation has been raised to Rs 11,500 crore from Rs 11,000 in 2020-21.

PM Narendra Modi expects that every group - be it the ruling side or the Opposition - should sit together and listen to the presenting of the Budget and cooperate: MoS Finance Bhagwat Karad, ANI reported.

"Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present an inclusive budget, in line with each and every sectors' needs. It will be benefiting everyone. All sectors (including farmers) should have expectations from today's budget," MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said, as per ANI.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at the Ministry of Finance. She will present the Budget 2022 today in Parliament.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman at a pre-budget consultation (Image: PIB)

American companies having a foothold in India and those planning to expand their business in the fastest growing economy of the world expect “tax parity” in the annual budget to be tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the head of a top India-centric US business advocacy group said. Mukesh Aghi, president, US India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF) said the American companies have high expectations from what Sitharaman would present in her fourth annual budget on Tuesday.

Setting up a separate ministry and creating special scheme on digital literacy for the elderly are among the recommendations made by some NGOs for the upcoming budget. HelpAge India, a not-for-profit working for elder care, in its budgetary recommendations to the central government, sought a set of measures that should be undertaken in three core areas -- income and social security, health and geriatric care, and creating an enabling environment for elders, PTI reported.

Feminist Policy Collective (FPC), including its network of feminist organisations, individual researchers, academics and policy advocates, have put forth an ‘Envisioning a Feminist Policy Response to the Pandemic’ for the upcoming budget with policy and relief recommendations for women, girls and transgender people. The group has demanded that the budgetary allocation for 2022 be enhanced keeping in mind the impact of the pandemic on children’s well-being. It has recommended that the education budget be increased to 6% of the gross domestic product (GDP) as has been discussed for decades but never achieved. This, they said, will allow for the introduction of free secondary education for girls and other incentives.

READ | Union Budget 2022: Need to raise budget for girls’ education, says women’s group

As per last year’s union budget 2021, the department of school education received Rs 54,873.66 crore as against Rs 59,845 crore allocated in the last Budget, a drop of Rs 4971.34 crore, the lowest in two years.

Last year, the total allocation to the education ministry was Rs 93,224.31 crore. Last years' school education budget is given below.

Budget session: Under the Narendra Modi government, work is in progress on seven medical colleges and two All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) - one in Jammu and another in Kashmir. The construction of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu is also going on, said President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday while addressing the parliament. According to the President, the Modi government has taken many important steps to provide better opportunities for education, health and employment to the people of "hitherto left neglected" Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

READ | AIIMS, IIT, IIM, 7 medical colleges under construction in Jammu and Kashmir: President

Budget session: Under the Narendra Modi government, work is in progress on seven medical colleges and two All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) - one in Jammu and another in Kashmir. The construction of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu is also going on, said President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday while addressing the parliament. According to the President, the Modi government has taken many important steps to provide better opportunities for education, health and employment to the people of "hitherto left neglected" Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

READ | AIIMS, IIT, IIM, 7 medical colleges under construction in Jammu and Kashmir: President

The budget session 2022 began on Monday, January 31. President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament and highlighted the achievements of the Modi government's mega COVID-19 vaccination drive, and noted that 150 crore doses were administered to the country's citizens in a record time.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the economic survey 2022 on the first day of the Budget Session 2022. The economic survey 2022 highlighted the mass exodus of students towards government schools. To prepare government schools to absorb these migrating students, the government will need to equip government schools with additional support, in terms of teacher-pupil ratio, classroom space, and teaching and learning materials, the survey stated.

Also Read | Economic Survey 2022: Need to strengthen government schools to handle increased enrolment 

For the 2020-21 financial year, the total budget estimate for the ministry of education was Rs 99,300, including both higher and lower education. This represented an increase of just 4.96% over the previous year’s budget for allocation -- the smallest increase in five years. 

Last year, the total allocation to the education ministry was Rs 93,224.31 crore. This is how that amount was split between higher and school education: 

Department of Higher Education 2021-22: Rs 38350.65 crore

Department of School Education and Literacy 2021-22: Rs 54,873.66 crore

However, the ministry of education isn’t the only ministry to fund the sector. 

Ahead of the India Budget 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday, "Elections keep happening but Parliament's Budget session 2022 is very important as it draws a blueprint for the entire year." He also urged all MPs to make it fruitful by holding discussions with an "open mind".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The Budget 2022 speech can be watched live at the official Twitter and Facebook accounts of the ministry of finance or the official website, indiabudget.gov.in.

Budget speech 2022 links

YouTube - Click here 

Facebook - Click here

Union finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the budget speech at 11 am today in Lok Sabha. While the budget speech usually lasts for two hours, last year Sitharaman delivered the longest budget speech lasting 160 minutes.

Union Finance Minister @nsitharaman to present the #UnionBudget2022-23 in #Parliament tomorrow at 11 AM

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— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 31, 2022

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2022 in the parliament today at 11 am. Like last year, this year too, the budget 2022 will be available in digital format.