Allocation for higher education welcomed

[sajiv]

Allocation for higher education welcomed

RAMANATHAPURAM: The announcement made in the budget for increasing the outlay for education has been welcomed.

R. Pandi, Reader in Commerce, Government Arts College, Paramakudi, said it was announced in the budget that higher education would be allocated to the tune of Rs.9596 crore, an increase of Rs.2796 crore over the previous year. It included an allocation of Rs.827 crore for setting up of central university in each of the state which till date had none. It was a welcome step. However, the budget contained no announcement regarding the starting of 372 colleges in the educationally backward districts in the country which was announced by the Prime Minister last year. He also added that the government had taken good steps in the allocation of Rs.39100 crore for National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, provision of 25 kg of rice/wheat per month at Rs3 kg and others. However, he said the budget had neglectedthe gems and jewellery sector.