India’s State and Central Government Spending on Primary Education: An Overview
India's primary education system is characterized by significant variation in spending between state and central governments. The Indian Constitution, through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, transferred the responsibility of education from the state to the concurrent list, allowing for joint federal-state governmental management.
Overview of Spending
On average, the central government spends around ?10,000 to ?15,000 per child annually on primary education, distributed through various schemes and programs. These include initiatives such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Additionally, state governments have their own education budgets, which can vary widely based on the state's financial health and priorities. When combining both central and state expenditures, the per-child spending in primary education can range from ?15,000 to ?30,000 or more annually, depending on the specific state and its funding strategies.
Central Government Expenditure
The central government's allocation to the school sector has seen a steady increase over the years. For instance, in 2015-2016, the budget allocated for school education (excluding higher education) was ?42,219.5 crores, which increased to ?43,554 crores in 2016-2017. This represents an approximate 3% increase. Based on this, the central government's expenditure per child can be calculated as:
43,554 crores / 21 crores Approximately ?2,100 per child
Note that this figure can vary based on the budget year.
State Government Expenditure: The Case of Karnataka
Let's examine the state government expenditure in Karnataka as a case study. In 2015-2016, the state provided Rs. 16,204 crore to the Primary and Secondary Education Department. This amount increased to Rs. 17,373 crore in 2016-2017, representing a 17% increase. With approximately 1.6 crore students in the 1st to 10th standards, the expenditure per child can be calculated as:
17,373 crores / 1.6 crores Approximately ?17,000 per child
It is important to note that these figures can change year to year and depend on the specific state’s allocation to the primary and secondary education departments in their annual budget.
Conclusion
India's education expenditure is a complex system influenced by numerous factors, including budget allocations, state priorities, and policy changes. For the most accurate and current figures, it is advisable to refer to recent government budget documents or reports from educational assessment organizations in India.
Understanding these figures is crucial for policymakers, education stakeholders, and the general public to ensure effective resource allocation and better educational outcomes for children in India.