Daily Mains Question – GS 1 – 25th July 2025
- TPP
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
Welcome to your daily Mains Model Answer — crafted to explore the intersection of educational policy and gender equity, a key theme in GS Paper 1 under Indian Society. Today’s question evaluates how the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 addresses persistent gender disparities in education, and what structural and implementation barriers continue to impede its transformative intent.
Education is not only a constitutional right under Article 21A but also a cornerstone for achieving social justice and inclusive development. NEP 2020, hailed as a comprehensive reform blueprint, aims to universalise quality education while addressing inequities across gender, caste, and region. Yet, despite notable gains in female enrolment, school dropouts among adolescent girls, infrastructural deficits, and entrenched social norms continue to present challenges. This discussion links with GS Paper 2 (Governance and Social Justice) and GS Paper 3 (Human Resource Development), while also providing a foundation for Ethics case studies and Essay themes around empowerment, inclusion, and public policy delivery.
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QUESTION
Despite progressive policy initiatives such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, gender disparities persist in India's education system. Examine the measures undertaken under NEP 2020 to promote gender equity, and analyse the structural and implementation-related challenges that hinder its effectiveness.
Answer: Gender equality in education is fundamental to achieving social justice, inclusive development, and national progress. Education serves as a transformative tool to empower girls and women, enabling their participation in all spheres of life. Recognising this, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which replaces the 1986 policy, outlines an inclusive and equitable framework aimed at universalising quality education and bridging gender disparities across school and higher education systems.
NEP 2020: A Step Towards Gender-Equitable Education
NEP 2020 reflects India's commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality). The policy identifies gender inclusion as a central priority through multiple strategic interventions:
1. Gender Inclusion Fund (GIF):
A centrally supported fund to assist states in implementing provisions for equitable and inclusive education for all genders.
Focus areas include provision of safe, sanitary and inclusive school infrastructure like separate toilets, hostels, transport facilities, especially for girl students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
2. Universal Access and Retention:
Target of 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education (Grades 1–12) by 2030.
Open schooling systems, flexible learning options, and catch-up education modules aim to reduce dropout rates, especially among adolescent girls.
3. Curriculum and Pedagogy Reform:
Emphasis on gender sensitisation, inclusive textbooks, and the integration of life skills, sex education, and menstrual health in curricula.
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) to support foundational learning for all children, reducing long-term gender disparities.
4. Promotion of Higher Education Among Girls:
Encouragement of increased female enrolment in STEM, vocational and professional education through targeted scholarships, bridge courses and outreach campaigns.
As per the AISHE 2020–21, female GER in higher education rose to 27.9%, surpassing male enrolment in many fields.
5. Institutional Mechanisms:
Gender-Inclusive Education Cells at school and university levels to monitor progress, address grievances, and recommend interventions.
Challenges Hindering Implementation:
Despite the policy's progressive vision, several structural and systemic barriers continue to affect gender equity in education:
1. Societal Norms and Patriarchy:
Prevailing gender stereotypes, early marriages, and domestic responsibilities often force girls to drop out, especially during secondary education.
According to UDISE 2021-22, dropout rates among girls remain significant at:
Primary: 1.4%
Upper Primary: 3.3%
Secondary: 12.3%
2. Inadequate Infrastructure:
Lack of basic facilities like functional toilets, transport, and separate hostels in rural and tribal areas limits regular attendance and retention of girl students.
Safety concerns and lack of digital access also restrict participation in remote or online learning modes.
3. Implementation Gaps:
Varying capacities of state governments in fund utilisation under the Gender Inclusion Fund.
Absence of trained counsellors, gender-sensitised teachers, and social workers in schools to support at-risk girls.
4. Lack of Awareness and Guidance:
Poor dissemination of policy provisions at the grassroots level.
Low awareness among rural families regarding legal rights, scholarships, and entitlements for girl students.
5. Digital and Economic Divide:
Post-COVID, the digital gender divide widened learning inequalities, with fewer girls having access to mobile devices and internet connectivity for online classes.
Way Forward:
Community and NGO Engagement: Grassroots organisations can act as intermediaries in generating awareness and promoting enrolment.
Strengthen Monitoring Mechanisms: Gender audits and regular assessments at the school and district level to track progress.
Targeted Incentives: Conditional cash transfers, bicycles, sanitary napkin provision, and nutrition schemes to encourage regular school attendance.
Teacher Training: Incorporate gender sensitivity modules in pre- and in-service teacher education programs.
Legal Literacy Campaigns: Educate girls and families on laws related to child marriage, education rights, and financial entitlements.
The NEP 2020 presents a transformative roadmap to advance gender equality in education. However, its success is contingent upon effective implementation, strong inter-sectoral coordination, and active participation from communities. Addressing deep-rooted societal biases, infrastructural constraints, and administrative inertia will be critical to achieving an equitable and inclusive education system in India.
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