SC Judge Flags Education Budget Cuts, Compares Kumbh Funds With Marathi Schools Closure

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Supreme Court Justice Prasanna Varale highlighted concerns over the prioritization of public funds, drawing a comparison between the budget allocated for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik and the financial resources available for government schools. Speaking about the closure of Marathi-medium schools, Justice Varale noted that allocating even 0.1 percent of the projected 32,000 to 34,000 crore rupees Kumbh Mela expenditure—approximately 32 crore rupees—could have prevented the shutdown of around 100 to 125 Marathi-medium schools. He expressed concern regarding shrinking education budgets despite a rise in student enrollment, pointing to poor infrastructure and safety issues in rural and government institutions, including ashramshalas. Responding to the comments, reporter Anisha Mathur noted that statements made by judges at private events hold no legal bearing on the government. She further referenced prior court scrutiny where state governments cited budget constraints when questioned on underfunding for child protection, education, and women safety schemes, emphasizing that education accounts for less than 13 percent of the annual budget.