NEP 2020 ushering transformational reforms; will set up more medical colleges: FM Sitharaman

While no special announcement was made for the education sector, the FM said female enrolment in higher education has gone up by 28 percent in the last 10 years.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is ushering in transformational reforms, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Interim budget speech on February 1.

"PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) are delivering quality teaching, and nurturing holistic and well-rounded individuals. The Skill India Mission has trained 1.4 crore youth, upskilled and re-skilled 54 lakh youth, and established 3000 new ITIs. A large number of institutional higher learning, namely 7 IITs, 16 IIITs, 7 IIMs, 15 AIIMS, and 390 Universities, have been set up," noted FM Sitharaman.

Further, the finance minister announced that more medical colleges would be set up soon.

“Several youths are ambitious to get qualified as doctors. They aim to serve our people through improved healthcare services. Our Government plans to set up more medical colleges by utilising the existing hospital infrastructure under various departments. A committee for this purpose will be set up to examine the issues and make relevant recommendations, the FM said.

While no special announcement was made for the education sector, the FM said female enrolment in higher education has gone up by 28 percent in the last 10 years.

In STEM courses, girls and women constitute 43 percent of enrolment - one of the highest in the world. All these measures are getting reflected in the increasing participation of women in the workforce.

“These comprehensive efforts underscore a commitment to building a skilled, empowered, and thriving blue-collar workforce, shaping a prosperous future for the nation. In the journey toward a brighter future for blue-collar workers, upskilling emerges as the guiding light. We rejoice in the concerted efforts by the Government invested in advancing the skills and capabilities of our workforce, paving the way for a more empowered and resilient tomorrow,” said Avinash Jain, Head of Finance, WorkIndia.