Demand from Households and Public Expenditure on Elementary Education in India
Abstract
This paper finds that household demand plays a key role in shaping public expenditure on elementary education in India. Analyzing data from 28 states between 2005-06 and 2019-20, we show that government spending responds to rising incomes, maternal education, family size, child population, and private school growth. While demand is increasing for both access and quality, progress for girls’ education remains uneven. The study highlights the importance of aligning policy with household needs to achieve universal elementary education.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Poverty
Education
and Child Welfare
Global Educational Reforms and Inequalities
Social and Economic Development in India
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of School Choice
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 20
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 355–372
- Publication date
- 28 March 2026
- Language
- EN