With a focus on creating a “digital skill ecosystem”, skill development as per industry demand and “better industry linkages and internationalization” — being emphasized with arrival of “world class foreign universities” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the Union Budget for 2022-23 would be of great help in implementing the National Education Policy on the ground.
Modi said the decision to set up a National Digital University can solve the problem of shortage of seats in educational institutions in the country that we experience in our country.
Addressing a webinar on the positive impact of the Union Budget 2022-23, Modi said the budget focuses on five aspects related to the education sector — universalisation of quality education, skill development, urban planning and design, internationalisation and AVGC (Animation Visual Effects Gaming Comic).
He outlined that digital connectivity is what kept the education system running in this time of global pandemic. “We are seeing how the digital divide is rapidly shrinking in India. Innovation is ensuring inclusion for us,” he said.
Educational infrastructure such as e-Vidya, One Class One Channel, Digital Labs and Digital University are going to help the youths a lot, he said.
The Prime Minister explained five aspects highlighted in the Budget 2022. Firstly, key decisions have been taken for universalization of quality education i.e expansion of education with improved quality along with enhanced capabilities of the education sector.
Secondly, attention has been given to skill development. Focus is on creating a digital skill ecosystem, skill development as per industry demand and better industry linkages.
Thirdly, he said, inclusion of India’s ancient experience and knowledge of urban planning and designing into education is important.
Fourthly, Modi said Internationalization has been emphasized involving the arrival of “world class foreign universities” and encouragement of institutions of GIFT City getting Fintech related institutes. Fifth, focus on Animation Visual Effects Gaming Comics, where there is huge potential of employment and there is a big global market.
On the International Mother Language Day, the Prime Minister underlined the link between education in the medium of mother language and the mental development of children.
He informed that in many states medical and technical education is also being imparted in the local languages. The Prime Minister called for momentum in creating best content in digital format in local Indian languages.
He emphasized that such content needs to be available via Internet, Mobile phones, TV and radio. He reiterated the requirement to keep the work with regard to content in sign languages going with due priority.
