It took several decades for the BJP to displace the Congress from power at the national level. The BJP benefited from a series of political movements and public discontent over issues including corruption and governance. The Ram Janmabhoomi movement, the anti-corruption movement associated with Anna Hazare, and earlier political mobilisations contributed to changes in the political landscape. The Congress-led government's corruption scandals and public dissatisfaction with its governance were among the factors that contributed to the BJP's victory in 2014.
The BJP won a majority in the Lok Sabha in 2014 and returned to power in 2019 and 2024. After more than a decade in government, however, the party faces continuing political challenges, including the need to address concerns among younger voters.
The Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and subsequent student deaths have drawn attention to concerns about the education system. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced a nationwide campaign focused on improving government schools in rural areas. Such a campaign could bring greater attention to the condition of rural educational infrastructure.
Quality schools and healthcare can play an important role in reducing poverty and improving economic opportunities in rural areas. Better public services can also reduce the pressure on families to migrate in search of education, healthcare and employment. Rural communities have economic potential in agriculture, small businesses, manufacturing and services, but they require access to markets, appropriate inputs, infrastructure and skills.
The cost of education and healthcare is a significant burden for many rural households. Rather than relying primarily on subsidies or short-term transfers, governments should ensure universal access to quality public education and healthcare. Public investment in these services can provide households with greater economic security while strengthening human capital.
The government should consider engaging organisations and individuals who have proposed practical solutions for improving government schools. If the proposals put forward by Dipke and his team are independently assessed and found effective, they could be considered alongside other policy options. Education policy should be evaluated on the basis of measurable outcomes rather than political affiliation.
The RSS has a long history of operating schools through organisations associated with the Vidya Bharati network. Its experience could be considered as part of a broader discussion on school administration, teacher training, infrastructure and community participation. At the same time, education policy should remain open to contributions from institutions and experts across different ideological and professional backgrounds.
India has the resources to make a substantial investment in school education, but that requires clear priorities and effective use of public funds. A dedicated and transparent funding mechanism for school infrastructure could help address disparities between urban and rural areas. Public expenditure should prioritise classrooms, laboratories, libraries, sanitation, drinking water, digital access, teacher recruitment and training, and safe playgrounds.
The objective should be to ensure that every child can attend a good-quality school without the financial burden becoming a barrier. Where appropriate, existing central and state school systems could be strengthened and expanded. Proposals for establishing schools at fixed geographic intervals should be evaluated according to population density, accessibility, transport requirements and local demand rather than applying a uniform distance across the country.
Education is also essential to a functioning democracy. Citizens need the ability to read, understand information, evaluate competing claims and make informed decisions. School education should therefore provide students with strong foundations in language, mathematics, science, social sciences and civic knowledge.
Students should also learn about India's history, Constitution, culture and social diversity. The teaching of history should be based on evidence and should include the contributions and sacrifices of people associated with India's freedom movement. A shared understanding of the country's history can contribute to civic awareness and social cohesion.
The Union government and state governments should work together to prevent persistent gaps in school education from becoming a source of wider social discontent. This requires reliable data, transparent monitoring and competent personnel in education administration. Recruitment and appointments should be based on professional competence and integrity rather than political affiliation.
India should also work towards reducing large differences in the quality and cost of schooling. Private schools will continue to have a role, but regulation should ensure transparency in fees, adequate teaching standards and student safety. Public policy should focus on strengthening government schools rather than attempting to eliminate private education.
Schools should concentrate resources on teaching and learning. Expensive facilities that are not necessary for the curriculum should not take priority over classrooms, teachers, laboratories, libraries, sanitation and playgrounds. A school does not need extensive recreational infrastructure if those facilities divert resources from basic educational requirements. The objective should be to provide students with a strong education during school hours and reduce dependence on private tuition.
The Ministry of Education has allocated Rs 83,561 crore for school education and literacy in 2026–27. Given the scale of India's educational requirements, the government should examine whether this allocation is sufficient and whether additional resources can be mobilised. Any increase in funding should be accompanied by stronger mechanisms for monitoring expenditure and measuring outcomes.
Poor-quality schooling has consequences beyond individual students. When children do not receive adequate education, the country loses part of its potential pool of skilled workers, professionals, researchers and public servants. Improving school education is therefore not simply a welfare measure; it is an investment in India's economic and institutional capacity.
Demographic trends should be addressed through evidence-based policies rather than by linking fertility decisions to a single social or religious community. Better schools, healthcare, employment opportunities and social security can improve the quality of life of families and communities across India.
The priority should be clear: every child, regardless of income, location or social background, should have access to quality school education. Achieving that goal will require sustained public investment, accountable institutions, competent administration and cooperation among governments, educators, civil society and communities. A national commitment to improving school education would benefit both India's children and the country's long-term development.
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*Contact: sudhansuranjandas2007@gmail.com
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