‘Budget made no special mention of education hub’

Board secretary Shahaji Dhekne said the announcement of scholarships was a welcome step.

“The SSA ensures that students get free and compulsory education up to Class VIII. Now,with this scholarship,students from the Scheduled Castes/Tribes will get an opportunity to continue their education up to Class X.”

However,senior educationist Ramesh Panse said the focus should be on how the various education schemes are being implemented.

“The increase in the allocation of funds for SSA is good. However,I feel there always has been lots of funds but the approach needs to change. Proper utilisation at the proper time with a proper purpose is most important. Also,scholarships for SC/ST wont ensure that the students get good quality education. There is a need for constant evaluation of the schemes,said Panse.

Also,Pune,which is considered the education hub of the country,did not find significant mention in the budget this year. Reacting to this,Vinayak Bhatt,director,Deccan College said,“I am disappointed with this budget,as Pune has been sidelined. Ours is a research-based institute and Pune has many such institutes.”

“We had submitted a proposal to the UGC about grants. However,we did not get a reply,” he added.