Gender Gap in Educational Expenditure in India

The gender gap in educational expenditure in India reflects unequal spending on boys and girls, highlighting socio-economic disparities and barriers to women’s empowerment.

Table of Contents

Context: In recent times, India has improved female enrolment in schools (girls = 48% of the school population; higher education GER slightly higher for women than men). However, a hidden gender gap persists in family spending on children’s education.

Key Findings of NSS Report

Gender Gap in Expenditure

Across all stages of schooling, families spend less on girls than on boys.

Rural India: Families spent ₹1,373 or 18% more on boys than girls in terms of fees, books, uniforms, and transport.
Urban India: Per-student expenditure on girls was ₹2,791 less than on boys.
At higher secondary, spending is 30% higher for boys.
School Type Preferences: Government schools – 58.4% of girls enrolled as compared to 54% of boys.
Private unaided schools (more expensive): 34% of boys are enrolled, while only 5% of girls are enrolled.

State-wise Variations

Government vs. Private School Enrolment
- Delhi: 54% boys vs. 65% girls in govt. schools; 38.8% boys vs. 26.6% girls in private schools.
- Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab: >10 percentage point gaps.
Balanced ratios: Tamil Nadu, Kerala: Boys and girls are nearly equal in the government. and private schools.
Reverse trend: Northeastern States: More girls in private schools.
Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala: Higher spending on girls in higher secondary, especially in urban areas (due to transport costs linked to safety).

Reasons Behind the Gender Gap in Education Expenditure in India

Societal Mindset & Patriarchy: Families perceive boys as “future breadwinners,” worth higher investment. Girls are seen as having lower economic returns due to marriage and caregiving roles.
School Choice Bias: Boys are more often sent to private schools; girls are kept in government schools. Reflects a cost-saving preference.
Tuition Investment Bias: Families prioritise additional tutoring for boys, especially in higher classes, where exam competition is higher.
Dropouts & Early Marriage: Higher female dropout at secondary/higher secondary → less spending on girls beyond Class 10.
Safety & Mobility Concerns: Families sometimes limit girls’ enrolment in distant/private schools due to safety worries, reducing expenditure.
Subsidies & Schemes for Girls: Scholarships, free uniforms, and fee waivers reduce direct expenditure on girls, skewing the spending figures.