Public education expenditure plays a crucial role in promoting human capital formation, social equity, and long-term economic development. In a developing country like India, government spending on education is considered a vital instrument for reducing regional disparities and ensuring inclusive growth. Education not only enhances individual capabilities but also strengthens democratic participation and social mobility. Therefore, adequate, and efficient allocation of public funds to the education sector is essential for achieving sustainable development goals. At the district level, public education expenditure reflects the actual implementation of state and national education policies. Sangli District of Maharashtra, known for its mix of urban centers and rural areas, provides an important case for analyzing education-related public spending. The district depends largely on government funding through the State Education Department, Zilla Parishad, and centrally sponsored schemes such as Samagra Shiksha. Examining public education expenditure in Sangli District helps to understand how financial resources are allocated, utilized, and managed at the grassroots level. Moreover, disparities in educational infrastructure, teacher availability, and access to quality education across rural and urban regions highlight the need for a detailed financial assessment. Analyzing public education expenditure in Sangli District enables an evaluation of the efficiency, adequacy, and equity of government spending. Such a study is significant for identifying gaps, improving policy implementation, and strengthening the overall educational development of the district.
Dr. Bandu Jayshing Kadam (Fri,) studied this question.