Budget 2016 expectations: The Narendra Modi-led NDA government is all set to present the Union Budget for financial year 2016-17 on February 29 i.e. Monday. FM Arun Jaitley’s budget announcement will be keenly watched by all sections of society. Many interested parties and lobbies have been hard at work trying to influence what gets into the Budget announcements and on his part, the common man waits for some small benefits to drop into his pockets. However, one section of society that generally gets ignored is the one in educational institutions. Since the youth is integral to the future of the nation, we take a look at what they want from the government that will make their life easier, empower them and set them on a career path of success. Here is a compilation of the reactions of college students:
1. Budget 2016 expectations: Exemptions currently allowed against education loans are up to 8 years. Students are hoping that this can be extended to a higher period.
2. Budget 2016 expectations: Students wish that existing universities should be upgraded with avenues for skill development on a larger scale. For this purpose they are eyeing PM Narendra Modi’s Skill India initiative eagerly.
3. Budget 2016 expectations: There should be no further hike effected in service tax which may otherwise increase fees of educational institutions.
4. Budget 2016 expectations: Government must take steps to decrease education loan rates across the board to make domestic higher education more affordable.
5. Budget 2016 expectations: Focus of government must be on issues like hostel fees, which should be decreased, and number of seats, which should be increased in universities. But most of all, the number of govt universities must be increased to cater to the rising number of students seeking higher education.