The Centre and State governments should increase fund allocation for the education sector, including higher studies, so that more students from rural areas are encouraged to pursue higher education, G. Viswanathan, founder and chancellor, VIT, said on Saturday.In his presidential address at the “STARS Day 2025” (Support The Advancement of Rural Students - STARS), which was organised by the Universal Higher Education Trust (UHET) of VIT at its campus here, he said that currently, the entire education expense of children is borne by their parents. Poor parents cannot afford such expenses. “Governments, both the Centre and the State, should ensure that more students enroll, especially in higher education. In India, around 28% of students are in higher education, whereas in China, around 60% of students pursue higher studies,” he said. Mr. Viswanathan said that North Arcot district, which comprised present-day Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur and Tiruvannamalai districts, was economically and educationally backwards many years ago. Public initiatives like scholarships and the State government’s efforts have helped to reduce economic backwardness and increase enrollment in schools and colleges. Currently, the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of Tamil Nadu is over 50%, against the national average of 28%. The Chancellor recalled that under the National Education Policy 2020, the Centre has aimed to achieve 50% of GER in 2035. Public donations through scholarships will help to cover more deserving students, he said.S. Kannappan, Director of School Education (DSE), Vellore Collector V. R. Subbulaxmi and Sankar Viswanathan, vice president, VIT, were present on the occassion.Published - July 19, 2025 11:58 pm IST