India (Commonwealth Union)_ The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) has commended India for its significant investment in education, allocating up to 4.6% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to this critical sector. This commitment aligns with international standards outlined in the ‘Education 2030 Framework for Action’, which encourages nations to invest between 4% and 6% of their GDP in education. Recent reports from the Unesco Institute for Statistics reveal that between 2015 and 2024, India’s allocation for education fluctuated between 4.1% and 4.6% of its GDP. This consistency demonstrates the Indian government’s dedication to enhancing educational infrastructure and resources, even amid global economic challenges.
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In terms of government expenditure, India’s funding for education has varied between 13.5% and 17.2% of its total public spending during the same period. This range not only meets but also aligns with the Education 2030 target, which advocates that governments dedicate 15% to 20% of their public expenditure to education. Such financial commitments underscore India’s strategic approach to advancing its educational landscape and supporting sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
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The Unesco reports highlight that India’s investment in education has remained stable, a noteworthy achievement given the global trend of declining educational investments. Comparatively, India has outperformed several of its regional counterparts in Central and Southern Asia regarding both GDP percentages and government expenditures on education. For instance, while nations such as Nepal and Bhutan allocate between 4% and 6% of their GDP to education, countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan fall significantly short in terms of funding and resource allocation.
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According to the reports, India ranks closely behind only a few countries in the region for educational expenditure. In 2022, India’s educational spending as a percentage of GDP was surpassed only by Bhutan (7.5%), Kazakhstan (7.2%), Maldives (4.7%), Tajikistan (5.7%), and Uzbekistan (5.2%). Remarkably, India’s investment in education also exceeds that of major Asian economies such as China and Japan, showcasing its commitment to fostering a robust educational framework. Globally, the average public expenditure on education has seen a decline, decreasing from 13.2% in 2010 to 12.5% in 2020. This trend has been exacerbated by the economic repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has strained educational budgets in many nations. In contrast, India’s strategic focus on education represents a proactive approach to building human capital and ensuring long-term economic growth.
Unesco’s recognition of India’s educational spending is not only a reflection of the nation’s current policies but also a guiding beacon for future investments in education. By maintaining its financial commitment to this essential sector, the Indian government is taking significant steps toward achieving its educational objectives and improving the overall quality of life for its citizens. Furthermore, India demonstrates a robust commitment to enhancing educational outcomes by allocating 4.6% of its GDP to education and adhering to international benchmarks. This strategic investment not only addresses immediate educational needs but also lays the foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future.
