Ninad Karpe, CEO & MD, Aptech Limited

The Finance Minister's focus on education in the Union Budget coupled with the reforms proposed by Education Minister will definitely invigorate this sector.

The provision for the scheme mission in education through information and communication technology (ICT) and for setting up and upgrading polytechnics under the skill development mission is a welcome move. Also, the proposal for opening one central university in each uncovered state and for setting up new Indian Institute of Technoligies (IITs) and National Institute of Technologies (NITs) will further provide an impetus to our goal of making India a knowledge economy.

The FM has sought to give a stimulus to the sector by introducing monetary support for education in the form of bank loans at easy terms. The interest subsidy for students taking courses from approved institutes and expansion of income tax incentives on education loans covering vocational studies, will further encourage students to acquire and upgrade their skills thus enhancing their employability.

These measures will, to an extent, help build skilled talent pool to bridge the gap between the demand and supply in various sectors.

However, a country like India with its vast population would definitely require much more emphasis and support to make training and education available to all. Lastly, I would like to add that education sector should be given a same status as infrastructure industry.