Role of NGOs in Primary Education: A Special Reference to Jhansi (U.P.), India

Abstract

Primary education is the fundamental right of every child and the cornerstone of national development. While the government of India and the state of Uttar Pradesh have implemented robust frameworks like the Right to Education (RTE) Act, significant gaps remain in reaching the most marginalized communities. This research paper examines the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in bridging these gaps, with a specific focus on Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. NGOs in Jhansi, such as Parmarth Samaj Sevi Sansthan and Pragati Rath, play a vital role in addressing issues like seasonal migration, lack of documentation, and the educational needs of tribal communities like the Sahariyas. Through a combination of informal schools, community mobilization, and infrastructure support, these organizations supplement state efforts. The study utilizes secondary data from existing research on Dhaka, Bangladesh, and comparative local data from Jhansi to analyze the effectiveness of NGO interventions. Findings suggest that NGOs are indispensable for ensuring inclusivity and quality in primary education, particularly for children who fall outside the formal state mechanism.