A parliamentary panel has urged the central government to increase public expenditure on education to 6% of the country's GDP by 2030, a target set by the National Education Policy 2020.
The current spending, both by the Centre and states, stands at 4.06% of the GDP, which is lower than key BRICS countries like Brazil and South Africa.
The panel also recommended that the Centre more than double research and development spending from 0.64% to 1.5% of GDP.
The panel expressed concerns over a 73.9% cut in the capital head of the department of higher education and recommended a five-year capital investment plan.
The panel flagged staff shortages at the University Grants Commission and All India Council for Technical Education, and poor global outcomes under the Institutions of Eminence scheme.
The panel welcomed the announcement of a girls' STEM hostel in every district and asked the ministry to finalise a detailed rollout plan.
The panel backed the entry of foreign universities in India but called for strict oversight and regular reviews of quality and compliance.
The panel also flagged unrecognised schools violating the Right to Education Act and a high out-of-school children count, urging strict state action and reforms.
