RTE Forum asks FM for extra Covid-19 package for 'safe, secure' education By Counterview Representative. Dated: 12/22/2020 12:09:52 AM The civil rights group Right to Education (RTE) Forum has asked Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to “adequately enhance” public financing for universalization of school education, even as prioritizing education spending “by adopting and adhering to a clearly laid down financial roadmap.” In a submission, signed by Ambarish Rai, national convener, RTE Forum, it also insisted on the need to “respond to widening inequities through inclusive budgeting.” Even as seeking “adequate schools, teachers and infrastructure”, Rai, in his submission at the pre-budget consultation convened by Sitharaman, emphasised, “The budget for education must be enhanced up to 6% of GDP, as reiterated time and again, along with an extra budget as Covid-19 package to ensure safe and secure education of the children.”