According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), India has achieved a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 97% for girls in primary education, which means that almost all girls of primary school age are enrolled in school. However, the GER for girls in secondary education is lower, at around 79%, and for higher education, it is even lower, at around 27%.
There are several factors that contribute to these disparities in education for girls in India. These include socio-economic factors such as poverty, cultural norms and practices, gender discrimination, lack of access to safe and adequate sanitation facilities, and limited opportunities for girls in higher education.
The Indian government has implemented various initiatives and policies to address these challenges and promote girls' education. These include the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) program, which aims to provide free and compulsory education to all children, including girls, up to the age of 14. The government has also launched the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save Girl Child, Educate Girl Child) campaign to raise awareness about the importance of girls' education and to address gender discrimination.
Despite the challenges and disparities, there has been significant progress in girls' education in India. The government's efforts and initiatives, combined with the support of non-governmental organizations and civil society, have helped to increase the enrollment and retention of girls in schools. However, there is still more work to be done to ensure that all girls in India have equal access to quality education and that they are able to reach their full potential.