Quality of Rural Education at Elementary Level

A study of rural schools in Mansa district of Punjab reveals the dismal quality of education and academic performances at both government and private unrecognised schools. Though private schools are mushrooming and preferred by the poor, there is no evidence that they provide better school infrastructure or quality of education. Quality of education is especially crucial in rural areas where the majority of children are constrained by parental illiteracy, poverty and poor facilities. The neglect of government and government-aided schools is further marginalising the marginalised.