Written by Madhura
Edited by Aaliya
Illustrated by Ilakiya PB
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The Indian education system reflects the rigid socio-economic hierarchies of the nation. Despite notable recent progress, numerous differences still exist within the Indian education system. These disparities are a consequence of various factors, such as status, area, sex, and financial level. The country's attempts to ensure inclusive and fair education for everyone are hindered by the extensive impacts of these disparities. While specific regions (states like Kerala and Mizoram that have a high literacy rate) emphasize learning to a significant degree, others encounter a lack of adequate learning materials (regions of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh where there is a low literacy rate). These disparities in the educational system across diverse areas can be attributed to various factors encompassing poverty, gender disparity, income disparity, and the societal hierarchy. While urban areas enjoy excellent educational facilities, rural and distant areas lack the necessary infrastructure for schooling. Children from marginalised groups have fewer educational options due to this discrepancy, which also has an impact on the quality of schooling. This urban-rural divide also includes a lack of qualified teachers, which poses a significant challenge to the education system. A National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) study revealed that around one-third of Indian teachers are not authorized to instruct. This has a notable influence on the caliber of education, as inexperienced teachers are less prepared to offer their students a first-rate education. Furthermore, numerous teachers lack the expertise needed to furnish their students with a captivating and interactive learning environment.
When it concerns getting a good education, individuals from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds have limited access to education and learning materials. Families with limited monetary means encounter significant barriers because of steep enrollment costs, costly course books, and additional expenditures. This renders it unattainable for all individuals to possess equitable entry to educational prospects and amplifies the disparity between affluent and disadvantaged individuals. Despite the nation's remarkable economic expansion and augmenting prosperity, various marginalised and rural areas still face a lack of access to exceptional education. The significant number of students abandoning their studies and the inadequate reading and writing abilities in these localities demonstrate this inequality. The gender divide that spreads throughout the educational system is another instance of unfairness. Females still face barriers to education despite significant progress, especially in remote areas. According to reports, men were far more educated than women; 62% of women had no formal education at all when compared against 31% of men.
According to a case study from Bihar, discrimination exists among Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Non-SCs students when it comes to accessing services and facilities provided by educational institutions. SCs students receive fewer advantages from education due to difficulties with classroom instruction and comprehension. The Musahar community in Patna district, Bihar, is categorized as a Mahadalit community by the government, referring to the most impoverished social groups within the Dalit community. Within Musahari tolas (communities), there are reports of children facing discrimination and being compelled to leave school. Another case study from Rajasthan showcases a high-caste Brahmin teacher reportedly subjecting a native student to intense psychological abuse, highlighting the prevalent issue of discrimination based on social class within schools. The student, supposedly targeted due to opposing views on reserved seats, faced not just isolation but also biased remarks from other privileged students. As per a report by the National Statistical Organisation, using data from the survey Household Social Consumption (July 2017–June 2018), nearly every other woman in rural areas of Rajasthan lacks the ability to read, write, or do basic math. The findings of the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021) revealed that 21,800 young girls had quit school prior to 2019-20. Among them, 13% left due to domestic chores and 7% were married off despite laws against underage marriage.
Several schemes have been implemented to address these differences. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (launched in 2001) guarantees widespread entry to elementary education. It also highlights enhancing enrollment, enhancing educational standards, and minimizing differences based on societal and gender factors in education. The National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education, which was introduced in 2008, provides monetary assistance for high school education to families of women students from economically and socially underprivileged groups. The program aims to enhance the quantity of women students enrolled in high schools and their ability to continue their education. Such schemes aim to reduce the socio-economic hierarchies in the Indian education system.
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