Education Infrastructure, Expenditure, Enrollment & Economic Development in Odisha, India

Abstract

A key part of human capital is education. The development of educational infrastructure and economic growth are closely linked. Realizing the value of infrastructure, both the central and the state government have implemented a number of programmes to upgrade the physical facilities at public schools. Infrastructure is a key component of enabling high-quality education. This study intends to explore the linkage between economic development and spending on education for infrastructure development and quality of education. In 2019–20, the ratio of education department spending (revenue and capital account) to the gross state product (GSDP) is 2.84%. In 2020–21, the gross enrollment ratios (GER) for primary and secondary education are 97.4% and 84.5% respectively. As part of the study's methodology, analytical and empirical data from secondary sources were compiled. The multiple regression analysis demonstrates that the GER of primary and secondary education, as well as the expenditure (Revenue and Capital) on education by education departments to GSDP is significant to economic growth. Here, the economic growth of Odisha as a whole is significantly influenced by the state's educational system. The study's conclusions show that public spending on infrastructure and education has a big impact on economic growth. It is recommended that the infrastructure in schools should be well-equipped in order to meet the needs of the current generation. The government should collaborate with private corporate sector, industrial unit in constructing the infrastructural facility such as smart class room, computer and internet facility, laboratory etc in schools.