School Education in Rajasthan: Policy Reforms, Statistical Insights, and Equity Challenges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64171/JAES.5.4.11-21Keywords:
School education, enrolment, gender gap, equity, policy reforms, government school, private school, digitalization, quality of education, Samagra Shiksha, National Education Policy 2020Abstract
This study examines the trajectory of school education in Rajasthan from 1950 to 2024, focusing on policy reforms, statistical trends, and persistent equity challenges. Drawing upon Census data, Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) statistics, and secondary literature, the analysis is organized in two phases: Phase I (1950–2017), which traces long-term expansion and reforms, and Phase II (2018–2024), which provides a detailed account of recent consolidation and digitalization. Findings show that Rajasthan has made significant progress in expanding access, improving literacy, and reducing gender gaps, particularly through state-specific innovations such as the Shiksha Karmi Project, Lok Jumbish, and Adarsh Yojana, alongside national interventions like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, the Right to Education Act, and Samagra Shiksha. Despite these achievements, persistent inequities remain across gender, social groups, and rural–urban divides. SC and ST girls in rural areas continue to rely disproportionately on government schools, which face challenges of weak infrastructure and low learning outcomes, while OBC and General urban families increasingly opt for private schooling. Comparative analysis of primary, upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels reveal that although higher secondary education has witnessed the greatest progress, secondary schooling remains the weakest link, with high dropout rates and declining government infrastructure. The study concludes that sustained investments in quality, retention, and equity are critical to ensuring inclusive educational development in Rajasthan.
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