NEW DELHI: As India prepares for the Union Budget 2025, leaders in the education sector are voicing strong expectations regarding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into learning and support for tech startups.
Mridu Andotra, Founder & CEO of GeniusMentor, emphasizes the urgent need for a dedicated budget allocation for AI in schools and colleges. She states, âThe Indian education system is on the cusp of a technological revolution, and the upcoming budget presents a crucial opportunity to solidify our commitment to integrating AI into the learning experienceâ. Andotra highlights that while the government has allocated INR 10,300 crore to the IndiaAI Mission in the previous budget, this funding does not specifically target educational initiatives.
She advocates for increasing this allocation to 5-10% of the overall education budget to enhance AI infrastructure, including high-speed internet access and advanced digital tools, which are essential for empowering India's youth and positioning the nation as a leader in AI.
Ram Ramalingam, Founder & CMO of GeniusMentor, echoes these sentiments by stressing the importance of supporting tech startups in education. He asserts that âitâs high time for the government to âwalk the talkâ on providing tangible assistance & benefits to startupsâ. Ramalingam calls for measures such as lowering costs and turnaround times for business incorporation and offering financial subsidies and grants to startups focusing on next-generation technologies like AI. He believes that these initiatives will significantly enhance the quality of India's workforce on a global scale.
With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present her budget speech on February 1, 2025, experts hope that these recommendations will be taken into account to foster a more robust educational framework that leverages technology effectively.
