Educational materials used by students of rural and urban primary schools: Comparative Studies

Abstract

Equalization of educational opportunities has been considered the main goal of Indian education policy. The National Policy Resolution 1968 demanded that greater efforts should be made to remove regional imbalances and reduce inter-group disparities in the field of education. The National Education Policy (1986) has laid special emphasis on equalization of educational opportunities by removing disparities and paying attention to the specific needs of those hitherto deprived of equal opportunities.

The concept of equality of opportunities in the field of education has a long history whereas the concept of equity in education is a recent development. The idea of equality of opportunity in education came with the French Revolution and took shape in the United States after the American War of Independence. The concept of equality of opportunities in education originated from the system of equal access. Later, equal input was considered an essential criterion for equalization of educational opportunities.

India developed such an egalitarian social system immediately after gaining independence in 1947.

Committed to bring about equality in general and equality of opportunity in particular

Considered an important element of government policy