Reimagining Indian Education for Viksit Bharat @2047: Addressing the Challenges of Shadow Education and Inequity

Abstract

Viksit Bharat @2047-Developed India by 2047 is a visionary initiative launched by the Government of India with the goal of transforming the nation into a developed country by the time it celebrates 100 years of independence. In achieving this vision, education serves as a critical pillar, as no nation can truly progress without providing quality education to its citizens. Equitable access to quality education empowers individuals with positivity, problem-solving skills, and a mindset geared toward innovation and creativity. In today’s era of educational technology, the landscape of education including pedagogical approaches, curriculum structures, and methods of assessment has undergone significant transformation. However, the increasing commercialization of education has emerged as a serious concern. Coaching centers, private tutoring services, and cram schools have proliferated, contributing to what is globally recognized as shadow education or supplementary education. Shadow education poses a major challenge to the realization of Viksit Bharat @2047. A comprehensive review of the literature indicates that this form of education is primarily focused on academic performance, competition, and exam-centric success. It tends to promote rote memorization rather than fostering holistic development, which directly contradicts the aims of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This paper explores the educational challenges that hinder progress toward the Viksit Bharat vision, such as inequitable access, insufficient focus on character development, the neglect of vocational education, and the lack of emphasis on critical thinking and creativity. It also offers key recommendations for policymakers to address these issues, which are essential to accelerating national development and ensuring an inclusive and empowered India by 2047.