As news of the government planning to slash education budget started doing the rounds on the internet, netizens on Monday, 9 December, took to Twitter to explain why the likely move is a bad idea. While some pointed out the drawbacks of this supposed move, others highlighted several public sectors that receive an exorbitant sum from the government at the cost of 'good education' in the country.
According to news website The Print, the Narendra Modi-led government is "likely to cut the school education budget for 2019-20 by Rs 3,000 crore" and a decision is expected to be taken next week. As per the report, the move was taken into consideration to tackle "funds crunch". HRD Ministry’s official spokesperson has, however, banished such rumours, the report added.
Several politicians including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, also reacted to the report.
Here's a look at how netizens reacted.
‘They Have Money for Statues but Not for Education’
‘An Educated Society Inconvenient’ for Govt
Many stated that an educated society will cause “inconvenience” to the government.
‘Kaise Aagey Badhega Bharat?’
Meanwhile, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) stated, “Funds are allocated for Education under Budget of other Departments too. Budget for Education under States/UTs Budgets are also provisioned. Budget is provided by Centre through MHRD and other Departments for education and by States/UTs in both absolute terms as GDP is increasing every year.”
It added, “During 2017-18, Rs 2168.26 crore worth projects were approved under Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA), and during 2018-19 Rs 29411.99 crore worth projects have been approved under HEFA.”
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