Fourth pillar of Budget 2021: Reinvigorating human capital

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1 said the National Education Policy (NEP) has got good reception.

From providing a boost to school and higher education to ensuring welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, here are a few key takeaways when it comes to the fourth pillar of Budget 2021.

— More than 15,000 schools will be qualitatively strengthened to include all components of the National Education Policy.

— 100 new Sainik Schools will be set up in partnership with NGOs/ private schools/states.

B) Higher education:

— Legislation for the setting up Higher Education Commission of India to be introduced.

— In 9 cities, formal umbrella structures to be created to ensure better synergy between educational institutions, while also retaining their internal autonomy. A Glue Grant will be set aside for this purpose.

— Proposal to set up a Central University in Leh has been announced.

C) Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes welfare:

— Target of establishing 750 Eklavya model residential schools in tribal areas.

— Revamping the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme, for the welfare of Scheduled Castes

— Rs 35,219 crores to be used over a period of 6 years till 2025-2026, to benefit 4 crores SC students.

D) Skilling:

— Amendment to the Apprenticeship Act with a view to further enhancing apprenticeship opportunities for the youth.

— Over Rs 3,000 crores to be allocated for realignment of the existing scheme of National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) for providing post-education apprenticeship, training of graduates and diploma holders in Engineering.

— Initiatives underway in partnership with UAE and Japan to benchmark and facilitate skill qualifications, assessment, vocational skills, technique and knowledge.