On the Non-Random Distribution of Educational Deprivation of Children in India

Motkuri Venkatanarayana, Centre for Development Studies

Child Schooling assumes importance given the recent recognition of human capital, human rights and human development perspectives of development. Hence educational deprivation is recognised as the primary agent of human deprivation and it became mandatory to ensure minimum education for every child. It emanates from the given magnitude of educationally deprived children all around the world. On this premise, The paper examines the levels and inequities associated with the phenomenon of educational deprivation of children during 1990’s in India. This exercise examines the household characteristics of the deprived children based on National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO)data. The persistence of educational deprivation among children in India is due to socio-economic deprivation in general; however, it remains debatable but whether the remedy lies in making the schooling provision universal. This paper argues that the provision may be necessary but not a sufficient condition to accomplish the dream goal of universal elementary education.