Thiruvananthapuram: ABVP Kerala State Secretary, E.U. Eswaraprasad, has raised concerns over the neglect of the education sector by the Kerala government in the budget presentation. Prasad said that the budget primarily consists of hollow promises with minimal focus on higher education.
Expressing dissatisfaction, Prasad noted that the budget lacked significant core announcements for higher education, with only mentions of a conclave, reforms based on the National Education Policy (NEP), and routine inclusions like private and foreign universities. The allocated funds for higher education in this year’s budget presentation stand at Rs. 456 crore, a notable decrease from the previous year’s allocation of Rs. 816 crore, which also included announcements related to digital universities.
In contrast to the allocation for higher education, the budget for public education in the financial year 2023–24 amounted to Rs. 1,773 crore. However, there is a noticeable decrease in the current year’s budget, which stands at Rs. 1,032 crore. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the stagnant funding for student meals, a situation that has persisted without change since 2016.
ABVP State Secretary E.U. Eswaraprasad objected to the government’s decision to increase court and exam fees, pointing out their unwillingness to boost funds for mid-day meals and scholarships for students.
Prasad also mentioned instances where school headmasters had to resort to loans for meal provisions until government intervention in the last year’s budget. Currently, essential student assistance scholarships such as LSS, USS, e-grantz, and the Ayyankali Scholarship face interruptions, leading to a situation where even SC and ST students are compelled to discontinue their studies.
ABVP Kerala State Secretary, E.U. Eswaraprasad, pointed out that the Kerala government lacks a focus on providing scholarships for students, but they allocate funds for extravagant personal expenses of ministers.
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