What is inequality in education? Causes of inequality in education: socio-economic factors, religious belief, poverty, unemployment, students with special needs, regional differences etc. Probable solutions

2. Inequality in education means a system under which all the sections of
society are not given equal opportunity to get education. In India changes
in political, economic and social life are a result of educational inequality.
Those who are educated take the maximum benefit out of the system and
take maximum concessions from those in authority.
Educational inequality is the unequal distribution of academic resources
which includes school funding, qualified and experienced teachers,
books and technologies to socially excluded communities. These
communities tend to be historically disadvantaged and oppressed.
Inequality leads to major differences in the educational success or
efficiency of these individuals and ultimately suppresses social and
economic mobility.

3. ‣ Lack of National Education System :
Nationalization of education has not yet been possible in our country. So, there is
huge difference in structure of education , curriculum, in standard of schools,
evaluation system; in standard of recruitment and training of teachers in different
states. Government has no control over private institutes.
‣ Religious Beliefs :
Religious beliefs can be at variance with formal educational
requirements. For example, in predominantly Muslim areas,
formal education lagged behind because of religion.
‣ Socioeconomic Factors :
A wide gap exists between the rich and poor. This wide gap is an
obvious cause of educational inequality. Wealthy members of
the society can buy expensive and better education for their
children.
‣ Lack of Adequate Educational Institutions :
In various regions of our country there is no standard educational institutes. In
rural areas, inaccessible mountainous regions, areas of isolated settlements
institutes for primary education can be seen, but there is no institute for upper-
primary level.

4. ‣ Lack of Qualified Teachers :
Lack of qualified teachers is another obstacle for equality in education. Not just that
there are still untrained teachers in primary and secondary level.
‣ Lack of Girls’ School :
Because of discrimination and economic problems it has
not yet become possible to establish girls’ schools which is
a hindrance for equality in education.
‣ Lack of Teaching-aids :
For successful teaching-learning teaching aids have and
important role. There is lack of teaching-aids at school level
because of financial crisis.
‣ Difference in Standard of Educational
Institutes :
Infrastructure of institutes, standard of teachers, teaching-
learning, co-curricular activities etc. are different in schools of
villages and towns, in govt. or govt.-aided institutes and private
institutes. And it is a vital cause of inequality in education.
School in village
School in town
‣ Regional Differences :
In developed areas there are many schools and colleges in close proximity where students
are getting much more opportunity than those who are living in regions where there is no
secondary school or colleges or primary school in close proximity. It increases inequality in
education.

5. ‣ Students with Special needs :
The number of students who are mentally and physically
disabled is increasing gradually. Though government has
programmes for them but those are not being implemented
properly. There is also lack of trained teachers for students
with special needs.
‣ Difference of Home Environment :
The parents and guardian of children living in villages or slum area of cities are illiterate.
So such home environment is not quite favourable for education. Children living in middle
class and upper class families who have educated parents or members in family usually
have better opportunity of education.
‣ Gender Discrimination :
In our patriarchal society girls are valued less than boys. A section of society have
negative attitude towards women education which hinders women education.
‣ Administrative weakness :
Administrative failure in educational sector is indicated by improper implementation of
Right to Education Act, lack of Government’s policy, improper implementation of Mid-
day Meal Scheme, lack of control on education system and nepotism of political leaders.

6. ‣ A single Education System across the Country :
To bring equality in education, there should be a single − curriculum, evaluation
system, standard of education, recruitment of teachers, standard of teachers’ training
across the country.
‣ Abolition of Regional Discrimination :
There is a huge difference in opportunity and development of education in different
regions of the country. This differences have to be reduced as much as possible.
‣ Development of Communication & Transportation :
In mountainous regions of our country the communication and transportation
system is not that developed. So many willing students cannot complete their
primary of higher education. The scenario can be seen in rural areas. Government
should take necessary steps to improve communication, roads and transportation.
‣ Scholarship :
It is important to start scholarship in all sectors of education. It should be made more
flexible for poor and studious students. This will help economically backward classes
to acquire higher education.

7. ‣ Common School System :
Common school system is a vital step towards establishing equality in education.
The features of such schools are −
‣ Equal opportunity for all in all schools.
‣ Same standard of education in all schools.
‣ Education of child won’t depend on wealth but on child’s intellect and talent
and on citizen entity.
‣ Expansion of Open Education :
To establish equal opportunity is education effectively, expansion of open education
is a good strategy. In mountainous and rural areas where opportunity for formal
education is limited , it is necessary to establish open school, open university and
distance education.

8. Inequality in education is pretty evident in India. Though Government has
taken several measures, has started various programmes and scholarships but
benefits of all these failed to reach to all who need these. It has happened
because of inefficiency of authorities who are responsible for these. So
government should keep an eye on its proper implementation by giving strict
instructions to the concerned authorities. At the same time government
should continue awareness campaign to establish equality in education.