Karnataka’s Higher Education Spending Criticized: Only 2.01% of GDP Allocated

Karnataka’s Higher Education Spending: A Closer Look at the 2.01% GDP Allocation

A recent policy report by NITI Aayog has highlighted that Karnataka allocated only 2.01% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to higher education in the fiscal year 2020-21. This figure places Karnataka third from the bottom in terms of higher education spending among Indian states. Only Delhi (1.67%) and Telangana (2%) allocated less.

Despite being a major hub for higher education in India, Karnataka’s spending on higher education is significantly lower compared to states like Jammu and Kashmir, which leads with an allocation of 8.11% of its GDP. Other states such as Manipur (7.25%), Meghalaya (6.64%), and Tripura (6.19%) also invest a higher percentage of their GDP in higher education.

The report also revealed that Karnataka allocated ₹5,129 crore from its budget for higher education in the same period. However, this amount is relatively low compared to Maharashtra, which led the funding with ₹11,421 crore, followed by Bihar (₹9,666 crore) and Tamil Nadu (₹7,237 crore).

The NITI Aayog report emphasized the need for increased public funding for higher education, especially in state public universities. It pointed out that Karnataka allocates only 12% of its state budget to the education sector, with 70% of these funds directed towards school education and the remaining 30% towards higher education. Educationist Sripada Bhat suggested that the state government should allocate 26% of its budget for the education sector to support the development of higher education.

Despite the lower spending, Karnataka leads in college density in India, with 66 colleges per one lakh eligible population (18-23 years of age), which is more than twice the national average of 30. The state also has a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 36.2%, higher than the national average of 28.4%.

The report also praised Karnataka’s initiatives such as the ‘English Skills for Youth’ programme, which aims to enhance English proficiency and workplace readiness among students. Additionally, the state has launched several programmes to advance higher education, improve language proficiency, and enhance employability for students.

In conclusion, while Karnataka has made strides in higher education, the NITI Aayog report underscores the need for increased investment to ensure the sector’s growth and sustainability. The state’s efforts in improving college density and GER are commendable, but a higher allocation of funds is essential for further development.