India's youth population, numbering an astounding 580 million, is coupled with the distinction of having the world's most expansive education system, as noted in a recent report by the Ministry of Education.

However, India's efforts to achieve widespread, top-notch education for all still face significant hurdles.

Inequalities based on societal standing, gender, and caste continue to exacerbate the divide in educational opportunities.

The task before India is indeed daunting: to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, receives the foundational education and support they require to thrive.

Since India gained independence, there has also been a significant surge in the number of universities, university-level institutions, and colleges in both the higher education and technical education sectors.

This expansion has positioned India's higher education system as the third largest globally, trailing only China and the United States in terms of student enrollment.

The growth in educational infrastructure has been a significant driver of India's socio-economic development, offering its citizens access to high-quality education and creating a highly skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and progress across various industries.

In the past decade or so, we have witnessed a major technological revolution that has transformed many sectors including education.

The global Covid pandemic has highlighted the need to move beyond traditional offline education, and the present reality demands the adoption of online and blended learning models.

The rapid growth of knowledge today calls for a highly agile higher education system that keeps up with the ever-changing demands of the workforce.

To achieve this, academic institutions must foster a culture of exploration and experimentation, empowering students and faculty to push the boundaries of what is possible.

The National Education Policy prioritises expanding access to higher education and promoting lifelong learning through initiatives such as open university, distance learning, and online education.

By leveraging technology and digital tools, the policy seeks to make education more accessible to individuals from all backgrounds and regions, creating a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.

The ultimate goal is to empower individuals to pursue their academic and professional aspirations throughout their lives.

In pursuit of its educational objectives, the Indian government has implemented various measures, including the Swayam Prabha channel, to promote access, equity, and quality in education.

Swayam Prabha aims to make high-quality teaching and learning resources available to all, particularly marginalised communities, across the country via 34 educational channels accessible through DTH.

The initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide and empower students who have been excluded from the digital revolution.

Similarly, EdTech, particularly through the Internet, has the potential to create equitable access to education for all students.

Currently, both public and private educational institutions are using EdTech platforms to digitise the classroom.

Private EdTech companies are playing a significant role in reducing educational disparities in India, especially in providing exam preparation content for higher education such as NEET and JEE.

BYJU’S, a prominent EdTech company, is also addressing this issue of unequal access to education by launching social initiatives like "Education for All."

This programme, launched in partnership with various state governments, offers high-quality digital education in several vernacular languages. "Education for All" was established in 2020 to ensure that every child has access to education, particularly amid the pandemic.

The programme has collaborated with over 130 NGOs to provide millions of underprivileged children with high-quality education, with nearly half of the beneficiaries being girls.

While challenges remain, India is well-positioned to become a global education powerhouse. The country's determination to provide equitable education opportunities is driving this progress.

The government's commitment to the cause, combined with the efforts of private sector players, is bridging the gap in the education system.

With the shared objective of leaving no child behind, India is moving forward with confidence, poised to create a brighter future for generations to come.

Through a focus on public-private partnerships, the objective is to ensure that every child receives quality education, irrespective of their social and economic background.

The author is a Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh in Rajya Sabha.

Dr Anil Agrawal

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