Investment in human capital is crucial for economic growth, yet India continues to grapple with stark educational inequalities, particularly between rural and urban areas. This issue is highlighted by findings from the Social Consumption of Education Survey 2017-18 and the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023, both conducted by the Indian government. The analysis reveals that without equitable investment in education, overall inequality in India cannot be effectively addressed.
From 1986 to 2017, India underwent significant policy shifts in its educational system, reflecting broader socio-economic changes. Reforms initiated since 1991 have shaped educational policies, leading to improvements in literacy rates. Since gaining independence, India”s literacy rate has risen dramatically, from 18.3 percent in 1951 to 72.98 percent in 2011. This growth is largely attributed to government initiatives such as the National Literacy Mission 1988 and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan 2001, which aimed to enhance access to primary education and boost adult literacy.
However, disparities based on gender, region, and socio-economic status remain prevalent. The decline in illiteracy demonstrates that more individuals have acquired basic education, which is essential for further developmental opportunities. Various government interventions, including the National Education Policy 1986 and the Right to Education Act 2009, have focused on making education accessible and mandatory for all children. The introduction of the National Education Policy 2020 aims to further enhance educational accessibility, potentially mitigating inequality.
The rural-urban educational divide is particularly alarming, with the PLFS 2023 indicating that 26.3 percent of the Indian population remains illiterate. Although the percentage of individuals lacking education at the primary level has decreased from 12.5 percent in 2016 to 11.5 percent, this improvement is mostly seen in urban regions. The ongoing rural-urban disparity underscores the urgent necessity for increased investment in rural education.
Although the education Gini index—a measure of educational inequality—has dropped from 72.4 percent in 1986 to 46.6 percent in 2023, educational inequality remains high. While many states have seen improvements, others continue to lag. For instance, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh reported the highest levels of educational inequality in 2023, with figures exceeding 50 percent. Meanwhile, states like Goa, Chandigarh, Kerala, and Delhi have significantly reduced inequality.
The impact of income on education is evident, as higher family income correlates with better access to quality education. Families with more financial resources can invest more in their children”s education, leading to unequal educational outcomes across different social groups. Those employed as casual laborers, whether in rural or urban settings, experience a higher level of educational inequality compared to their counterparts with stable employment.
Furthermore, the Higher Education Survey 2020 indicates that a considerable percentage of universities and colleges are located in rural areas. However, the educational inequality between urban and rural regions has not significantly improved despite the presence of numerous institutions. Access to education is crucial for reducing inequality, with 91 percent of Indians having access to primary education within a one-kilometer radius. This access, however, diminishes for upper primary and secondary education, with only 72 percent and 48 percent, respectively, having similar access.
Students from Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs) often travel more than 5 kilometers to reach secondary schools, reflecting substantial disparities in educational attainment. In 2017, the mean years of education for ST and SC students were notably lower compared to those from Other Backward Classes (OBC) and General categories. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for targeted efforts to close the educational gap.
To meet the Sustainable Development Goals of quality education and reduced inequality, substantial policy interventions are necessary. The unequal access to education affects students” discipline choices, with students from higher-income families more likely to pursue professional courses. Overall, despite progress in education, wealthier individuals continue to gain disproportionate benefits, highlighting the need for systemic changes to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all.
