Subsidise upskilling course fee for freshers & professionals encourage greater participation in lifelong learning
By ANISH SRIKRISHNA
CEO, TimesPro
The forthcoming Union Budget presents a crucial opportunity to bolster private sector participation by integrating EdTech into the online and distance learning ecosystem within higher education, paving the way for transformative policies.
A forward-looking approach could allocate funding for emerging disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and other cutting-edge fields.
Subsidising course fees for both freshers and professionals would encourage greater participation in lifelong learning and upskilling. Such initiatives, when offered through premiere institutions like IITs and IIMs, would foster an inclusive and competitive workforce.
Aligning these measures with national missions like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’ would reinforce India’s global leadership in innovation and manufacturing. Investments in upskilling across technological and non-technological domains are key to advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Reducing GST on EdTech services to 5% or eliminating it would make education more affordable, broadening access to upskilling programmes and engaging diverse learners.
Recognising and accrediting short-term, stackable micro-credential programmes from EdTech providers for academic credits would bridge skill gaps and boost employability. Similarly, subsidising professional development courses for faculty would raise teaching standards, aligning institutions with global benchmarks. By implementing these measures, the Union Budget can cultivate a skilled, future-ready workforce, driving India’s sustained growth and global leadership.”
