Union Budget 2025: Focus on education, skill development, and digital inclusion to build future-ready workforce, says Cambridge South Asia MD Arun Rajamani

The Union Budget 2025 has been widely appreciated for its strategic focus on education, skill development, and technological integration to prepare India’s youth for a Viksit Bharat. Arun Rajamani, Managing Director of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, South Asia, praised the budget’s commitment to building a strong talent pool through increased allocations in education, employment, and skill development.

“We welcome the Budget as it has laid special emphasis on the role of education in our journey towards a Viksit Bharat,” Rajamani stated. He highlighted the government’s increased allocation towards education as a critical move to support India’s economic aspirations. “Skill development is a critical cog in the wheel that will help us achieve our economic aspirations,” he added.

Advertisement

A standout initiative in the budget is the establishment of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools, aimed at fostering creativity and innovation among students. “Establishing 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in schools marks a transformative leap towards making learners future-ready with creativity and innovation at the heart of it,” Rajamani noted. This initiative will play a pivotal role in nurturing young innovators and preparing them for the evolving demands of the global workforce.

The budget also proposed the allocation of ₹10,000 crore for the Urban Challenge Fund in FY 2025-26, designed to support cities as growth hubs. Rajamani emphasized the potential of this fund to boost edtech companies in addressing urban challenges. “This aims at supporting cities to be growth hubs and can be a boost for edtech companies to solve challenges,” he said.

In addition to urban initiatives, the budget addresses rural education and digital inclusion through the introduction of the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme and improved broadband connectivity. “The introduction of Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, coupled with improved broadband connectivity, will be pivotal to bridging the digital divide in rural areas and making learning more inclusive,” Rajamani explained. These measures are expected to broaden access to quality education in underrepresented regions.

Recognizing the growing importance of AI and technology in education, Rajamani lauded the government’s investment in higher education infrastructure and the establishment of Centres of Excellence in AI for Education. “Investing in higher education infrastructure along with the introduction of Centres of Excellence in AI for Education will help address the growing need for technically skilled professionals in the GenAI era,” he said. These initiatives will ensure that India’s workforce is equipped with the skills necessary for the digital age.

Lastly, Rajamani welcomed the improved access to student loans, which will make higher education more accessible to a broader segment of the population. “Improved access to student loans is another great initiative,” he concluded.

The Union Budget 2025’s emphasis on education reform, skill development, and technological integration positions India to build a future-ready workforce, driving inclusive growth and supporting the nation’s journey towards becoming a global economic leader.