Mancherial: Budget allocation for education is not enough

Mancherial: The Central government didn't give much priority to education sector by allotting a meagre amount of Rs 99,311.52 crores only in 2020-21 budget allocation. Compared to last year, there was a minor raise by Rs 4,446 crores, which is not enough for the current needs, observed Telangana United Teachers Federation (TUTF) president and secretary Shanthi Kumari and Rajavenu respectively.

Speaking at a press conference at the union office in Mancherial on Monday, the union leaders pointed out that during 2018-19 and 2019-20, Rs 10,000 crore was allotted.

It was announced that the national education policy will be implemented in this fiscal year. But the question is that how to implement without

adequate funding as these provisions are not sufficient for the smooth functioning of the Central government sponsored schemes such as comprehensive KGBV, ICT education and midday meals.

The National Education Commission (Kothari Committee) has recommended allocation of 6 per cent of the GDP and 10 per cent of the budget for the education has not been implemented even after 50 years. The UTF leaders expressed dissatisfaction over the non-allocation of at least half of the amount. The union leaders demanded increase of budgetary allocations to education sector.

they also said that new tax on income is a serious damage to the middle class, even though the Central government has proposed to change the income tax slab in budget of 2020-21. Optionally, tax concessions and exemptions are for those, who have waived. This means that those, who have waived off PF, Insurance, savings, CPS and home loan concessions will only apply.

The union leaders alleged that the Centre cheated the employees with digital magic. the budget has left a huge disappointment for the wage earners, who want to increase the tax exemption limit to Rs five lakh and to increase the savings amount to Rs three lakh.

District president Lavanya,

treasurer Rathod Dilip, secretaries Srinivas Rao, Tirupathi, Jaipal were among those who were present at the press meet.