INCLUSIVE AND EQUITABLE EDUCATION IN INDIA: POLICIES, CHALLENGES, AND PROSPECTS

Education that is inclusive and equitable serves as a transformative approach designed to guarantee quality learning opportunities for every student, regardless of their gender, caste, disability, language, or economic status. Based on the ideals of social justice and equality, this paper thoroughly investigates the development, policies, challenges, and future directions of inclusive education within the Indian context. By utilizing secondary data sources, it examines how significant educational policies such as the Right to Education Act (2009), Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (2018), and the National Education Policy (2020) have influenced India’s dedication to equity and inclusion. The research outlines ongoing obstacles, including insufficient teacher training, infrastructural deficiencies, resistant attitudes, and limited involvement from the community that impede effective execution. It also highlights effective strategies such as training for teachers, embracing technology, engaging the community, and using data to inform policy decisions to enhance inclusive practices. The results emphasize that equitable and inclusive education is not just a matter of policy compliance but a moral obligation and a vital need for realizing Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4) and promoting a more just, democratic, and unified society. In the end, inclusive education in India represents a shift from exclusion to active participation, ensuring that every student feels appreciated, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.