32 million children up to age 13 have never been to any school in India
– Source: NSSO, India Today, August 2019
Majority of the children who have never been to a school are from socially and economically disadvantaged families. More often than not, such children can end up living on the streets.
Almost 1 in 3 children drop out of school before completing their education
– Source: UNICEF
Dropping out of school has a huge economic impact on their earning potential. UNESCO estimates that every year of schooling raises earnings by 10% for males and 20% for females.
Gender Inequality: Rural Literacy Rates
– Source: NSSO, Ministry of Statistics & Program Implementation
Low Female literacy
Gender equality is a key issue and the girl child faces significant hurdles in receiving education. Poverty, early marriage and traditional attitudes are obstacles faced by girls in small towns and rural areas.
Poor Quality of Education
Reading Ability
% of rural Class 3-5 children who are able to read Class 1 text
– Source: ASER
Maths Ability
% of rural Class 3-5 children who can do subtraction
– Source: ASER
Economic background plays a huge part in rural education. Besides receiving poor quality teaching, poorer children will typically not have any educated family member and parental support is very limited.