Learning to grow

Improving education will push growth

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mid the ongoing controversy over the National Education Policy (NEP) and the three-language policy, it is important to recognise that the focus should not shift from improving educational outcomes. If unaddressed, this will have long-term ramifications. The Annual Status of Education Report (Aser) has repeatedly shown that outcomes in Indian schools leave much to be desired. For sustained higher growth, educational outcomes must be improved at all levels. Thankfully, over the past few decades, the expansion in access to education across both high- and low-income states in India has contributed to significant productivity gains, especially among the poor. India needs to build on them. In this regard, a new article in the International Monetary Fund's Finance and Development magazine shows how education has contributed to global poverty reduction and continues to drive inclusive growth across the world.