Budget wishlist: Allow FDI in education sector

HRD Minister Kapil Sibal has kicked off educational reforms by getting Cabinet approval for the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill. The sector still wants more from the government. There is also a call to give the recommendations of the Yashpal Committee their due. These include allowing FDI in education, and increasing public private partnerships.

Here is a verbatim transcript of Kritika Saxena's comments on CNBC-TV18. Also watch the accompanying video.

Kapil Sibal may be pushing for more transparency in the education sector, as his part in the UPA government's reforms movement. But analysts feel his drive may not bear much fruit, if the sector continues to struggle for funds. The interim budget hiked government outlay on higher education nine-fold. But the IITs and the IIMs are still groaning about the lack of funds from the government -- each institution says it needs at least Rs 6 crores more for better infrastructure.

Pankaj Chandra, Director, IIM Bangalore said. "The courts must go out and tell the government that they must provide the kind of funds this would require. We can only request the government."

Experts say the cabinet-approved the right of children to free and compulsory education bill will be effective only if the government shells out more financial assistance towards the economically weaker sections of society.

Ninad Karpe, CEO, Aptech said, " Two things the government needs to do is take care of loans and assistantships and second probably direct intervention in terms of remedial coaching and remedial training particularly to the backward and scheduled caste and scheduled tribes.

There is also a call to give the recommendations of the Yashpal Committee their due. These include allowing FDI in education, and increasing public private partnerships.

Sumeet Mehta, CEO, Zee Learn said, "If in the budget we can make provisions for private partnerships to come in and expand the availability of quality institution, I think it will be a big leap."

Ninad Karpe, CEO, Aptech said, "From the budget perspective specifically, it will be good to see government allowing FDI in education."

Granting of this wishlist, experts say, will put educational reforms on the fast track.