Question

Read the annual reports of Union Ministries of Education and Health and Family Welfare and make summaries. Read the chapter on social sector in the Economic Survey. These can be downloaded from websites of the respective Union Government Ministries.

Answer 1

The annual reports of the Union Ministries of Education and Health and Family Welfare show that the government has been taking several steps to improve education and healthcare in India. The Ministry of Education focuses on improving access to schooling, education quality, digital learning, teacher training, higher education, and skill development. In the health sector, the government focuses on improving public healthcare services, disease prevention, maternal and child health, immunisation, hospitals and health infrastructure. The Economic Survey also highlights increasing public expenditure on social services. Government expenditure on education increased from about ₹ 5.8 lakh crore in FY2021 to ₹ 9.2 lakh crore in FY2025 (Budget Estimate), while expenditure on health increased from about ₹ 3.2 lakh crore to ₹ 6.1 lakh crore during the same period. The latest Economic Survey also stresses the need for better quality and access in education, stronger links between education and skills, preventive healthcare, and greater attention to lifestyle-related health problems. Education and health are important parts of human capital formation. Continuous government investment in these sectors improves people’s knowledge, skills, productivity, and well-being, which contributes to the country’s economic development.