New Delhi, January 28, 2025: The WTC Business & Industry Association, has presented a comprehensive wishlist of reforms for the education sector to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for consideration in the Union Budget 2025. The recommendations emerged from an extensive brainstorming session involving key stakeholders from the education sector, focusing on measures to modernize and transform the Indian education system.
The brainstorming session, chaired by Dr. Amit Saxena and presided over by Mr. Pradeep Agrawal, President of the WTC Business & Industry Association, brought together distinguished participants. Among them were Mrs. Stuti Kacker, IAS (Retd), Dr. Oleksandr, Ambassador of Ukraine to India, Mr. Sanjeev Ahuja, Entrepreneur, and Mr. Deepak Diwedi, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, Blitz India, all of whom shared valuable insights. The session was moderated by Dr. Yogesh Srivastav, Director General of the WTC Business & Industry Association.
The broader education sector has collectively outlined the following key expectations for the upcoming budget:
1.Integration of Technology in Education: There’s a strong push for incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into curricula to align with global technological advancements. This includes substantial investments in digital infrastructure, enhancing internet connectivity in rural areas, and providing affordable devices for students.
2.Reducing Educational Costs: Stakeholders are advocating for measures to make education more affordable, ensuring that quality learning is accessible to a broader population.
3.Fostering Industry-Academia Partnerships: There’s an emphasis on strengthening collaborations between educational institutions and industries to ensure that curricula remain relevant and students are equipped with skills that meet current market demands.
4.Addressing the Digital Divide: Efforts to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural areas, are crucial. This includes improving digital infrastructure and ensuring that students in remote locations have access to quality educational resources.
5.Tax Reforms and Skill Development: The education sector is urging for tax incentives, enhanced work-integrated learning programs, and targeted funding to bridge the skill-employability gap. This includes providing attractive tax incentives for companies investing in AI training and expanding work-integrated learning programs to offer youth industry-relevant experience.
Commenting on the session’s objectives, Mr. Pradeep Agrawal, President of the WTC Business & Industry Association said, “Our aim is to create a roadmap for an inclusive and modern education system that equips India’s youth to thrive in a globally competitive environment. The recommendations we have submitted reflect a collective vision to bridge gaps, foster innovation, and enhance the quality of education in the country.”
Dr. Amit Saxena, Chairman, Education Committee, WTC added, “The session brought together voices from diverse backgrounds to address key challenges in education. The focus remains on leveraging technology, building industry-ready skills, and making education accessible and affordable for all.”
This initiative underscores the commitment of the WTC Business & Industry Association and Sparsh Global Business to drive meaningful change in India’s education landscape. As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, the education sector remains hopeful that the government will address these critical areas to build a future-ready workforce and an equitable education system.
About WTC Business & Industry Association (https://www.wtca.org/about)
The World Trade Centers Association stimulates trade and investment opportunities for commercial property developers, economic development agencies, and businesses looking to connect globally and prosper locally.Our association serves as an ‘international ecosystem’ of global connections, iconic properties, and integrated trade services under the umbrella of a prestigious brand.
