There is an increase of 24 per cent in the outlay for the education sector in the Budget for 2011-12. The budget proposes an allocation of over Rs 52 thousand crore for this sector. The increased allocation is important in the wake of number of measures taken by the government to strengthen national knowledge network, focus on innovations in the research and development and implementing a scheme to improve the employability of youth.

The budget also provides for special grants to recognise excellence in universities and academic institutions and creation of 15 crore skilled work force in two years ahead of the set target.

The budget has also provisions for commemorating 150th birth anniversary of Rabindra Nath Tagore which begins from May 7. An international award with a prize money of Rs 1 crore is being instituted for promoting values of universal brotherhood in the memory of Guru Dev Tagore.

AIR correspondent reports that the right to education will be the centre of focus in the education sector and sufficient amount has been provided for implementing this historic legislation effectively.

Meanwhile, the Budget has a focus on creation of legal entitlements for any individual’s right to work towards achieving the UPA government objective of inclusive growth in the country.