Manya Rathore
Research expert covering India
Children in India - statistics & facts
Almost one-fourth of India's population is in the age group of 0-14 years. With a relatively young population India not only has a competitive workforce advantage but also an opportunity to unleash the consumption power of this demographic. The country has made significant progress in reducing infant and under-five mortality rates and achieving higher vaccination rates. However, significant strides are required to achieve key health targets for child development. Education is another key enabler of change and sustainable growth in the Indian context.
With growing digitalization, the online space and pervasiveness of the internet have made it easier for children to be exposed to online harassment, cyber-bullying, and blackmail. Around 19 percent of the country’s total internet user population was in the age group of 12 to 17 years. As per another survey, 46 percent of children spent three to six hours a day on online activities. Sharenting, or the digital footprint of children created by parents, which the children have no autonomy over, is coming under greater scrutiny.
However, dropout rates in higher school education remains high across genders, especially in rural areas. Underlying reasons include the requirement to do domestic chores, being disinterested in studies, or a lack of schools in proximity. The problem of quality education also persists in rural areas. A survey suggested that only 38 percent of fifth graders enrolled in government schools could read a third grader’s text.
Free of cost government schools account for the majority of schools in India. However, increasing numbers of low- and middle-income families seek private school education for their children despite higher fees. Better infrastructure, quality of education, higher teacher-pupil ratios, and focus on English as the medium of instruction are a few reasons for parental preference for private schools.
The World Economic Forum recognizes digital intervention as a means to improve learning outcomes and reduce inequities in educational access in the South Asian country. To reap the demographic dividend of a young population in the next decades, India is pushing for a more skill-based approach toward education to enhance the school-to-work transition for children.
From physical to virtual world: Challenges faced by children
Children from low-income rural and urban families, slums, and disadvantaged communities suffer from multiple deprivations and challenges such as malnutrition, child marriage, poor school attendance, child labor, trafficking, and lack of sanitation facilities, and clean water. A girl child is additionally at risk of gender-based discrimination, sex selection, and abuse. India has more than 200 statutes that deal with child rights and protection, but the challenge lies in the implementation of these laws.With growing digitalization, the online space and pervasiveness of the internet have made it easier for children to be exposed to online harassment, cyber-bullying, and blackmail. Around 19 percent of the country’s total internet user population was in the age group of 12 to 17 years. As per another survey, 46 percent of children spent three to six hours a day on online activities. Sharenting, or the digital footprint of children created by parents, which the children have no autonomy over, is coming under greater scrutiny.
Education for all: Towards access, equity and quality
The Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009 guaranteeing free education for children aged 6 to 14 years and National Education Policy 2020, with emphasis on holistic and skill-based learning were key initiatives targeted at improving access and quality of education. Flagship programs such as Sarva Shikshan Abhiyan or universal elementary education and mid-day meal schemes, resulted in an exponential increase in primary school enrolments.However, dropout rates in higher school education remains high across genders, especially in rural areas. Underlying reasons include the requirement to do domestic chores, being disinterested in studies, or a lack of schools in proximity. The problem of quality education also persists in rural areas. A survey suggested that only 38 percent of fifth graders enrolled in government schools could read a third grader’s text.
Free of cost government schools account for the majority of schools in India. However, increasing numbers of low- and middle-income families seek private school education for their children despite higher fees. Better infrastructure, quality of education, higher teacher-pupil ratios, and focus on English as the medium of instruction are a few reasons for parental preference for private schools.
The World Economic Forum recognizes digital intervention as a means to improve learning outcomes and reduce inequities in educational access in the South Asian country. To reap the demographic dividend of a young population in the next decades, India is pushing for a more skill-based approach toward education to enhance the school-to-work transition for children.
