Budget 2020 has provided the much needed impetus to higher education. Not only has R99,300 crore been allocated to improve the quality of the sector, another R3,000 has been set aside for skill development. However, the school education sector seems to have been ignored.

The education sector has been receiving positive reactions from stakeholders with many applauding the move to focus on skill development, and also allowing opportunities of internships to fresh graduates in urban local offices. "The idea of appointing fresh engineers in urban local bodies as apprentices is a welcome step. As an industry body, we have found that workable skill-sets are missing in most fresh graduates," said Dr Niranjan Hiranandani, president, ASSOCHAM.