More support likely for basic education

Budgetary allocations for primary and secondary education are likely to see a big increase in the 2010-11 Budget, touching Rs 30,000 crore. However, it remains to be seen if this is enough to finance the new fundamental right to education between the ages of six and 14 years.

The Ministry of Human Resource Development had sought Rs 40,000 crore for implementing the new law (popularly shortened to RTE). This was apart from the central share of expenditure on education in 2009-10, amounting to Rs 13,000 crore. Sources in the Planning Commission indicated primary and secondary education might get about Rs 30,000 crore.

This sum would fund both the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and the additional expenses in implementing RTE once it is notified. Even so, in absolute terms, funds for elementary education are likely to be doubled over the current figures for the next financial year.

The ministry had projected a cost of Rs 1.71 lakh crore for implementing RTE in the 11th Five-Year Plan, which ends in 2012. The Centre would now get barely Rs 17,000 crore for this project. The Budget is likely to pass on most of the burden of the rollout to the 12th Plan.

The Act said there should be one teacher for every 30 students. Under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, there is one teacher for every 40 students. According to HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, at least 500,000 teachers are required to fulfil the RTE conditions.

The Union government has pressed state governments to take on more expenses of the education programmes. Currently, Centre and states share costs in a 55:45 ratio. The Centre is keen to reverse this.