Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) stands at the core of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It strives to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all, aiming to provide lifelong learning opportunities that foster personal growth and socio-economic development. India, as a signatory to this global commitment, has made significant strides in improving its education system, addressing challenges, and enhancing accessibility. This article presents vital statistics related to education in India, outlines the nation's position, highlights its plans, programs, and schemes, and discusses the way forward.
Statistics for India
Recent data from the ASER 2022 report and the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) shed light on India's education landscape:
The ASER report reveals an increase in enrollment in government schools, while also highlighting challenges in basic reading and arithmetic skills among young students.
The AISHE data points out a remarkable rise in higher education enrollment from 3.85 crore in 2019-20 to nearly 4.14 crore in 2020-21. This increase of 21% since 2014-15 emphasizes the country's commitment to expanding educational access.
Gender parity has also improved, with the female enrollment percentage rising from 45% in 2014-15 to approximately 49% in 2020-21. The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for the age group 18-23 has witnessed an upward trend, reaching 27.3 in 2020-21.
India's focus on inclusivity is evident as female GER has exceeded male GER since 2017-18. This growth is reflected in the Gender Parity Index (GPI), which rose from 1 in 2017-18 to 1.05 in 2020-21.
Enrollment figures for marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes have shown positive growth, highlighting efforts to address educational disparities.
India's Position and Commitment
India recognizes the importance of education as a catalyst for social and economic development. The government's commitment to achieving SDG4 is reflected in various policy documents, including the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes holistic and flexible education.
Plans, Programs, and Schemes
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: This landmark policy heralds a new era, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning, skill development, and digital education. Its spotlight on flexibility, vocational education, and critical thinking is set to revolutionize education.
Samagra Shiksha: An overarching program spanning pre-school to class 12, Samagra Shiksha embraces Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) schemes. Launched in 2018, it envisions enhanced school effectiveness, equitable learning outcomes, and holistic growth.
NIPUN Bharat: National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy, launched under Samagra Shiksha, this mission aims to achieve universal foundational literacy and numeracy in primary classes, ensuring children attain grade-level competencies in reading, writing, and numeracy.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools: Aiming to provide quality education to tribal students, the EMRS scheme stands as a beacon for the holistic development of tribal students, following the CBSE curriculum.
Digital Education Initiatives: The digital revolution has been embraced through platforms like DIKSHA, which offer a plethora of e-content and resources, significantly propelling online learning to the forefront of education.
Institute of National Importance (INIs): The expansion of INIs and transformative initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs reiterate India's unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, cultivating research, and nurturing a culture of cutting-edge exploration.
National Scholarship Portal: Serving as a bridge over the financial divide, this dynamic platform plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to a myriad of scholarships for meritorious students, effectively democratizing the path to higher education and knowledge acquisition.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Beyond its nutritional objectives, this transformative initiative not only nourishes young minds but also acts as a catalyst for increased school attendance, thereby indirectly nurturing education from the grassroots level.
Skill India: A resounding echo of SDG4, the Skill India mission resonates by ardently focusing on skill development and vocational training, ensuring that learners are skill-equipped and prepared to embark on multifarious career paths, aligning seamlessly with the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite progress, challenges such as regional disparities, inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and the digital divide persist. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of adaptable and accessible education. India must continue collaborating between government bodies, NGOs, and the private sector to bridge these gaps.
Conclusion
India's pursuit of SDG4 embodies its dedication to providing quality education to all citizens. The statistics from ASER 2022 and AISHE showcase both achievements and areas requiring improvement. By fostering inclusivity, enhancing learning outcomes, and advancing educational infrastructure, India can propel itself towards achieving SDG4. As the nation continues to strive for accessible and quality education, it contributes not only to individual growth but also to the overall development of society and the realization of a sustainable future.
Source: The Global Goals | PIB | ASER | PIB
Note for UPSC Aspirants: For UPSC aspirants interested in exploring further, here are some keywords to guide your research: Sustainable Development Goals, Skill India, Digital India, National Education Policy 2020, Annual Status of Education Repor, AISHE, NIPUN Bharat.
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