The Implications of Migration and Schooling for Urban Educational Disparity: A Study of Delhi Slum Children

Abstract

It is widely acknowledged that there are disparities in education in India in terms of access to schools, the quality of schooling, and educational attainment, across spatial, social, economic, gender and ethnic lines, as well as in other respects. The lack or inadequacy of education is a serious issue, not only because education, particularly elementary education, is constitutionally and legally guaranteed as a fundamental right of children, but also because it is perceived to have a pivotal role in poverty alleviation. Much of the literature suggests that education has not only intrinsic value but also instrumental value in that it enhances the quality of life, helps people to earn more, improves their health and raises a person’s awareness of their rights, etc. for themselves and the next generations. Disparities in the quality and quantity of education a child can receive, therefore, are likely to affect a wide range of opportunities in the course of one’s life and, worse still, such disparities reinforce the socio-economic status quo for future generations.