By Prajodh Rajan, Co-founder and Group CEO, Lighthouse Learning
“We are looking forward to Finance Minister to include relief steps for parents and schools, who have been deeply impacted by the pandemic. As the education sector is one of the highly impacted segments during the pandemic, we expect due consideration on operational expenses for pre-schools and schools to be able to reopen and resume operations with appropriate safety measures including access to affordable credit & financing solutions. An increased allocation for the education sector will help negate the learning gaps children have endured due to the closure of schools for more than 18-20 months.
A reduction in the 18% GST levied especially on rented premises used for Pre-Schools & Schools would provide relief for the segment. More importantly, the government should also consider allocation in the Union Budget for developing the digital delivery and new age skill competencies for all the teachers. Digital infrastructure is a key component for the growth of all sectors and industries, and we seek the Finance Minister’s intervention to boost the investment into this, to help boost connectivity and usage across the country.”
