Mohan Bhagwat Says 6% GDP Allocation for Education Will Soon Become Reality

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has expressed confidence that India will soon meet the long-standing goal of allocating 6% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to education, describing investment in education as essential for the country's future. Addressing students at the IIMUN 15th anniversary event in Mumbai, Bhagwat also highlighted the importance of value-based education and defended the democratic right of young people to protest.

His remarks come at a time when education funding and youth participation in public discourse remain key topics of national debate.

6% GDP Allocation for Education 'Will Become Reality'

Speaking at the event, Bhagwat reiterated support for increasing public investment in education, saying the country should move towards the long-recommended benchmark of allocating 6% of GDP to the sector.

"We support a 6 per cent allocation of GDP for education. It will become a reality soon," Bhagwat said.

The recommendation has been made by multiple education commissions over the years and was also reaffirmed in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates significantly higher public spending to improve the quality, accessibility and inclusiveness of education.

Current Education Spending Remains Below Target

While education spending has increased in absolute terms over the years, it still falls short of the recommended benchmark.

According to available government estimates:

• The Centre currently allocates around Rs 1.3 lakh crore towards education.
• This accounts for roughly 2.5–2.6% of the Union Budget.
• Combined expenditure by the Centre and states is estimated at approximately 4.1% of GDP, below the 6% target.

Experts have long argued that increased investment is necessary to strengthen school education, higher education, research, digital learning infrastructure and skill development.

Education Should Be Seen as an Investment

Bhagwat stressed that expenditure on education should not be viewed merely as government spending but as a long-term investment in India's future.

He said an effective education system must go beyond academics by nurturing responsible, ethical and socially conscious citizens.

According to him, quality education should remain accessible to all while helping students develop character, values and a sense of responsibility towards society.

Calls for Value-Based Education

Addressing students at the event, the RSS chief said education should contribute to nation-building by preparing individuals who can positively contribute to society.

He emphasised that institutions should focus not only on knowledge and professional skills but also on moral values and civic responsibility.

Bhagwat Supports Gen Z's Right to Protest

Commenting on recent youth-led demonstrations across the country, Bhagwat also defended the democratic right of young people to express their views.

He stated that Generation Z has the right to protest, underlining that public participation and peaceful expression are important aspects of a healthy democracy.

His remarks come amid growing student activism on issues ranging from education reforms to recruitment examinations and public policy.

Why the 6% GDP Target Matters

The proposal to allocate 6% of GDP to education has remained a policy objective for decades. Supporters believe achieving this benchmark would help:

• Improve the quality of government schools and universities.
• Expand access to higher education.
• Strengthen teacher training and recruitment.
• Boost research, innovation and digital education.
• Enhance skill development and employability.

Although successive governments have endorsed the goal in principle, India has yet to consistently reach the recommended level of public investment.

Looking Ahead

Bhagwat's remarks have once again brought attention to the debate over education funding in India. As policymakers continue implementing the National Education Policy, the question remains whether future budgets will move closer to the long-pending target of allocating 6% of GDP to education.