Nadiha Prayas

 How can we reform education for the underprivileged?

Debates surrounding the educational sector and education for the underprivileged have been one of the hottest topics for eons, and remains so till date, and not without reason. The discussions range from whether there should be an increase in reservation of seats for underprivileged children, what sort of education they should receive, the number of institutions required, and even to what kind of teachers will be deemed suitable.

Several schemes have been instituted to ensure that underprivileged children receive a solid educational base including 'Samagra Shiksha' and 'Strengthening for Providing Quality Education in Madrassas' (SPQEM).

The Right to Education guarantees free and quality education to all children aged between 6 and 14, and additionally, incentives like Mid-Day Meal, scholarships and even reservations in private schools are designed to encourage maximum enrolment of students from underprivileged backgrounds.


According to the report of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), 32 million Indian children of age up to 13 years have never attended any school, the majority of them belonging to the socially disadvantaged class (2014).

The key to reforming education for the underprivileged lies in first going back to basics. Understanding the term 'underprivileged' and comprehending the socio-economic background of the underprivileged is an absolute necessity.

The umbrella term covers multiple categories of people across various spectrums. Each category has different upbringings, views, ambitions and goals. It is necessary to segregate these various sections and then provide customisable solutions that are both viable and sustainable.


There are many NGOs that are carrying out commendable work in the sphere of educating the underprivileged, whether in the capacity of training teachers, creating infrastructure or initiating informal models of education.

There are multiple entities at play, and it is of utmost importance to invest in the future of these children. Education is the prime way through which the underprivileged can escape the vicious cycle of poverty.

Government collaboration with NGOs in the educational sector can make a significant impact.