Spatial disparities in educational development across districts of Manipur based on participation infrastructure and institutional efficiency

This study examines the spatial disparities in educational development across the districts of Manipur through a comparative analysis of participation, infrastructure, and institutional efficiency indicators. Using district-level educational data, the study constructs three composite indices, namely Participation Index, Infrastructure Index, and Institutional Efficiency Index, to evaluate the relative performance of districts in the educational sector. Statistical techniques such as normalization, composite indexing, radar chart analysis, and bivariate scatter plots have been employed to identify patterns and interrelationships among the selected indicators. The findings reveal significant regional disparities between the valley and hill districts of Manipur. Districts such as Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, and Thoubal demonstrate comparatively higher levels of educational participation, infrastructural availability, and institutional efficiency. In contrast, districts including Pherzawl, Ukhrul, Kamjong, Noney, and Tengnoupal exhibit lower performances across most indicators, reflecting infrastructural deficiencies and weaker institutional support systems. The radar chart analysis highlights the multidimensional nature of educational inequality, while the bivariate scatter plots reveals positive relationships between participation and infrastructure with transition rates and Performance Grading Index scores. Conversely, dropout rates show a negative association with these indices, indicating that better educational infrastructure and participation contribute to improved retention and educational outcomes. The study underscores the importance of balanced infrastructural development and effective institutional mechanisms in reducing regional educational disparities. It suggests that targeted policy interventions in underperforming districts are essential for achieving inclusive and equitable educational development in Manipur.