Child Schooling in India: A Multilevel Approach

It is been widely established that child schooling has far reaching influence on shaping their subsequent living, in particular, and social and economic development of the society, in general. Although the Constitution of India provides free and compulsory education for all children until they reach 14 years, the schooling of children – enrollment and completion of primary school – still remains far below than the expectations. Using data from National Family Health Survey NFHS], we attempted to understand primary school enrollment and completion in India. Results reveal that household characteristics play a significant role towards child schooling. The study suggests the importance of adult educational programs and opening of new schools, particularly all-girls schools, in needed areas. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.