Government schemes for free education in india – a complete guide

09/07/25

Blog

103

Education – A Gift for Every Child

Imagine a world where every child, no matter where they are born, gets to go to school, learn, and dream big. Sounds wonderful, right? The good news is that India is working hard to make this dream a reality. Through strong government initiatives and NGO help for education, tens of millions of children now have access to free and quality schooling. Whether it is through scholarships, mid-day meals, digital learning, or infrastructure improvements, every step is bringing us closer to a future where no child is left behind.

Let’s dive into the many ways that child education in India is being supported, ensuring brighter opportunities for the next generation. 

1. Right to Education (RTE)

The Right to Education (RTE) Act ensures that every child between the ages of 6 and 14 has the right to free and compulsory education, no matter their background. One of the biggest advantages of the RTE is its 25% reservation policy in private schools for children from economically weaker sections. Imagine a bright young girl from a low-income family who dreams of studying in a top private school. Thanks to RTE, she could get a seat alongside other students, with her fees covered by the government.

Read Also: Right to Education in India: Importance & Responsibilities

This policy has opened doors for millions of children, potentially giving them access to quality education, better resources, and a brighter future. Schools, in turn, are becoming more diverse and inclusive by ensuring that learning is not just a privilege but a right for every child in India.

2. Mid-Day Meal Scheme 

Imagine trying to focus on a lesson while your stomach growls with hunger. Tough, right? That’s the reality many children faced before the Mid-Day Meal Scheme stepped in. This initiative ensures that tens of millions of children across India receive a hot, nutritious meal every school day. It is a simple idea with a huge impact—better nutrition means better concentration, improved learning, and higher attendance.

Take the example of a young girl in a rural village. Earlier, she would skip school to help her family, but now, knowing she will get a healthy meal, she attends daily, eager to learn. This scheme has transformed classrooms into spaces where children not only gain knowledge but also receive the nourishment they need to thrive. By filling plates, India is filling young minds with possibilities. 

3. PM Poshan Scheme

If lunch can keep a child in school, imagine what a nutritious breakfast can do. The PM Poshan Scheme builds on the Mid-Day Meal Programme by introducing breakfast in some schools, ensuring children start their day with the right energy.

Think of it as a morning boost—children who may have skipped breakfast at home now get a healthy meal before classes begin. This means better focus, more enthusiasm, and higher attendance. A child who used to feel sluggish in the morning now walks into school fueled and ready to learn. With this scheme, India is making sure no child has to choose between food and education.

Read Also: How to Donate for Girl Child Education in India

4. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan

Ever imagined a smart classroom in a remote village? That’s exactly what Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is making possible. This initiative focuses on better school infrastructure, teacher training, and digital learning, ensuring that children, no matter where they live, get a modern education. Take, for example, a small government school in Rajasthan—once limited to chalkboards, it now has e-learning classes. Students here can now watch educational videos, access online study materials, and learn like their urban counterparts. With initiatives like this, education is not just expanding; it is evolving. 

5. E-Vidya & Digital Education

Gone are the days when quality education was limited to big cities. Thanks to digital initiatives like the Diksha App, PM e-Vidya, and Swayam, children across India can now access free online learning materials from anywhere. Picture a girl in a remote village with just a mobile phone. Earlier, she had limited learning opportunities, but now, with free video lectures, e-books, and live classes, she learns from some of the best teachers in the country—right from her home!

Bridging the Gaps in Child Education in India – Our Commitment at Bal Raksha Bharat

Government schemes like the Right to Education (RTE), Mid-Day Meal, and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan have significantly improved child education in India. However, there is still scope for improvement where every child, especially those in slums, remote areas, or disaster-affected regions, gets equal access to quality learning. That’s where NGO help for education becomes crucial, and at Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children India), we are actively working to ensure no child is left behind.

How We Are Making Education Accessible for Every Child

• Setting Up Learning Centers & Digital Education Support: Many children drop out of school due to a lack of resources. To tackle this, we equip schools with supplementary learning materials, set up digital classrooms, and provide mobile learning vans in remote areas.
• Helping Children Enroll & Stay in School: We work at both state and national levels to help children enrol in school, reduce dropouts, and provide remedial learning support. Our Catch-Up Clubs help children regain grade-appropriate skills in subjects like language and mathematics.
• Training Teachers & Focusing on Socio-Emotional Learning: Learning is not just about textbooks. Post-pandemic, many children struggled with basic literacy and emotional well-being. We support teachers and caregivers with training programmes to help children manage emotions, build confidence, and improve academic performance.
• Enhancing Learning Environments: Did you know that 97% of government schools now have girls’ toilets and drinking water facilities? While this is a great step forward, more can be done. With donations for child education, we help upgrade classrooms, set up STEM labs, and promote science education for girls, ensuring children have a safe, resource-rich learning environment.

Join Us in Creating an Educated Future

At Bal Raksha Bharat, child welfare NGO, we believe that education is the foundation of an equitable and just society. With the combined efforts of the government, communities, and the NGO who help for education, we are making quality schooling accessible to every child. By supporting our initiatives, you are not just donating—you are changing a child’s future. 

Anikait Suri