Assessment of Primary Education System in Rural India: A Case Study on Chikana Village of Tonk District in Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The case study aims to highlight the existing problems and challenges in the primary education system prevalent in Rural India, from the lens of Chikana Village, in the Tonk district of Rajasthan, India. The case study brings to light prevalent practices, concerns and beliefs that govern the process of imparting primary-level education to the children of Chikana. The points made in the course of the study, though derived from this particular village, can be used as a general idea for most schools in rural India. The researchers have taken into consideration the prevalent schemes started by state and central governments for the enhancement of the quality of education in Rural India and have built points on the impact and significance these schemes have made so far. The study is qualitative in nature and uses both secondary and primary data sets.
 Secondary data is used in the form of old schemes and impact reports on Indian primary education, while primary data is incorporated in the form of observation and interview schedules. The time frame of all secondary data is limited to the last 5 years (February 2018- February 2023). The sample size for the interview schedule is 40 participants, these included students from ranging age groups, teachers and school authorities of the ‘Rajkiya Ucch Prathmik Vidyalay, Chikana'. The study aims to raise considerable awareness among the readers of this study about the existing trends in education in rural India and to highlight the gap in urban and rural education systems. The study goes on to find major loopholes in the ongoing educational practices prevalent in rural India. It brings to light the different dimensions of the primary education system and the opinions of different stakeholders on the progression of the sector. It comments on the implementation of policies designed to cater to the needs of children. The study also offers the author's conclusion derived from the curated data sets which clearly presents the condition of the sector as more bad than good, however, stressing enough of the good and stating that progress is expected in the years to come. The study is a comprehensive work, which gives a 180-degree view of the education provided to children in rural parts of the country.