Elementary Education among Muslims in India: Current Status and Policy Implications

Education is necessary for the growth of society, resulting in improved quality of life for individuals and communities. It enhances individuals' capacity and efficiency to engage in meaningful activities that benefit society. Given the importance of education, India has made education as a fundamental right, as stated in the Indian Constitution. Muslims constitute largest minority in India. The Right to Education Act (2009) has played an important role in extending educational opportunities for Muslims in India, yet the overall literacy rate among Muslims remains low. This study is based on secondary analysis of Census 2011 data and the UDISE+ report (2020-21 and 2021-22) to discuss the current state of Muslim education in India, with a particular emphasis on elementary education. Furthermore, the paper highlights several initiatives launched by the Government of India to improve education status, such as universal access, retention, and dropout. Finally, the study discusses the policy implications and role of NEP (2020) in improving the status of Muslim involvement in education in India, particularly at the elementary level.