EMPOWERING FUTURE: EDUCATION AS A PILLARSTONE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA

Abstract

An inclusive and quality education is one of the foundation of sustainable development goals. Education enables self-reliance, boosts economic growth by enhancing skills and improves people’s lives by opening up opportunities for better livelihoods. But achieving inclusive and equitable quality education for all will require increasing efforts, especially in India. The paper explores the educational policies, initiatives, and practices undertaken by the Indian government. However, several issues and challenges hinder the progress towards achieving the goal so it tries to identify those key issues and challenges that the education system is facing. It further analyses the barriers faced by the Indian education system including poor quality education, lack of infrastructure, inadequate resources, teacher training, inequality and the digital divide. Lastly, it proposes recommendations for policymakers, educators and stakeholders for improving education thereby accelerating progress towards the sustainable development goals to empower the future of India.