Equity and accessibility mean that every student (regardless of background) has an equal chance to learn and succeed. It’s about creating an environment where students feel valued and supported, whether by teachers, classmates, or the system itself.
In India, this is especially important because students come from different backgrounds like:
- Rural and urban areas
- Different income groups
- Various castes
- Linguistic communities
By bridging the gap between equity and accessibility, we can ensure that no student is left behind. Moreover, by achieving true equity, we can address individual needs, such as scholarships and financial support for marginalised students.
Want to gain more clarity? In this article, let’s understand what equity and accessibility mean in the context of education. Also, we will understand how popular government policies are bridging this gap.
What is equity in education
Equity means making sure that every student gets the support they need to succeed. There should be no differential treatments based on their background or personal situation.
It is not just about giving the same resources to everyone but about understanding that some students need extra help to reach the same level as others.
For example,
- A student from a poor family might need free books or extra tutoring, while a student with a disability might need special learning tools.
Equity ensures that all students have a fair chance to learn and achieve their goals.
What is accessibility in education
Accessibility (also known as inclusion) in education means making sure that all students feel welcome and valued in the classroom. It is not just about allowing everyone to study together but also about celebrating their:
- Unique backgrounds
- Languages
- Skills and abilities
A truly inclusive classroom respects and supports every student’s learning needs. For example,
- Some students from rural backgrounds may need extra help with their studies, while urban students may be fast learners and need less support.
Inclusion ensures that all students get the right support to succeed. This helps them grow into confident individuals who can work and live in a diverse society.
How India is bridging the gap between equity and accessibility
The Indian government is taking steps to ensure that everyone (people with disabilities, women, and rural communities) gets equal opportunities in education and daily life.
For this purpose, the government has launched several initiatives. These initiatives make schools and public places more accessible. Let’s see how:
Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan)
This campaign was launched in 2015. It focuses on making buildings, transport, and digital services friendly for people with disabilities. Under this campaign, you can report inaccessible public places through a mobile app or website. Next, the concerned government authority will take cognisance and resolve the issue.
Helping rural areas and women with digital access
Nowadays, most education happens online. As per a recent survey, the number of online users is expected to increase by 5.7 crores by 2027. However, many people in villages and semi-urban areas struggle with digital technology.
Thus, the government has introduced:
- Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan, which teaches digital skills to 600 lakh rural families.
- National Digital Library for Children which provides free digital books for students (especially those from poor families).
Better education and skills for jobs
The government wants to ensure everyone gets education and good job opportunities. Some important programs include:
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: It focuses on equal education for all and helps students who are struggling.
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: It provides ramps, special teachers, and materials for children with disabilities in schools.
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana: It gives skill training to women and marginalised groups to improve their chances of getting jobs.
Scholarships for students
To promote accessibility, the government provides different scholarships to help students pay for their education. Some important ones are:
- CSSS (Central Sector Scholarship Scheme): For students who score well in their 12th exams.
- NMMS (National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship): Helps poor students in Class 9 to 12 continue their education.
- AICTE Pragati: Supports girls studying technical courses.
- AICTE Saksham: For students with disabilities to pursue higher education.
- PMRF (Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship): For top students doing research in science and technology.
Education loan support
Under the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme, you can get a loan for higher studies. This scheme helps you get up to Rs. 7.5 lakh without providing any collateral or guarantee. If you cannot repay the loan, the government covers 75% of the unpaid amount through a special fund. The loan proceeds can be used for multiple purposes like:
- Paying tuition fees
- Purchasing books or laptops from online marketplaces or offline stores
- Covering rent, food, and other related expenses
Conclusion
The Indian government is working hard to make education fair and accessible for everyone. By focusing on equity, it ensures that students from poor backgrounds, rural areas, and marginalised communities get the support they need. At the same time, accessibility makes sure that every student (including those with disabilities) feels included and valued.
To bridge the gap between equity and accessibility, the government has launched several programs like:
- Accessible India Campaign
- Digital literacy schemes
- Scholarships
- Skill development initiatives
- Education loans from leading banks and NBFC s without collateral
These efforts create a future where every student can learn, grow, and succeed.
