Don't let fads disrupt the fundamentals of education

State outcomes don't differ by prosperity but how closely schooling sticks to the basics of learning

- ANURAG BEHAR

Even if we focus narrowly on the most basic education outcomes—whether children can do simple mathematics or read and write with comprehension—the variations across Indian states are striking. These differences aren't merely between states; they exist within them as well. But inter-state disparities are particularly revealing because they point to systemic strengths and failures that go beyond economic development.

If richer states always performed better, broad parts of the explanation may have been more straightforward. But that isn't the case. Some economically weaker states outperform wealthier ones, while others with ample resources struggle. This suggests something deeper at play. Governance, policy consistency and, most of all, execution may matter far more than financial capacity alone.

Over the past 25 years, having worked closely with education systems across more than 20 states, one lesson stands out for me—the states that have improved learning outcomes are those that have stayed persistently focused on the fundamentals. This may sound obvious, yet it is often ignored in the rush for flashy reforms. The difference lies not in grand innovations, but in getting the basics right, year after year, without distraction.