Name: Kavya H.K & Ravindra Kumar B
Country: India

Year: 2025
Volume: Volume No: 12, Issue No: 2, Year: 2025 (Special Issue-2)
Page Number: 94-102
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17722259

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the inclusive education towards rural self-reliance through an
empirical analysis of Tumkur District, and Karnataka. Data was collected from 65
respondents to examine various aspects, including demographic profiles, educational
attainment, household incomes, employment types, perceptions of education importance,
school infrastructure quality, enrolment and dropout rates, parental education levels, and
challenges in accessing education. The findings reveal a predominantly agrarian community
with significant educational disparities and infrastructure challenges. While there is
widespread recognition of education's importance for economic and social development,
concerns persist regarding the quality of education, especially regarding infrastructure and
access to technology. Dropout rates increase with higher educational levels, reflecting
barriers such as financial constraints and inadequate infrastructure. Parental education levels
are predominantly low, potentially influencing educational opportunities for younger
generations. Key challenges identified include financial constraints, distance to schools, poor
infrastructure, and socio-cultural barriers, which hinder equitable access to education. These
findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve educational infrastructure,
address socio-economic disparities, and promote inclusive educational policies that cater to
the diverse needs of rural communities. Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering
sustainable rural development through enhanced educational opportunities and outcomes.
Keywords: Rural development, Education, Educational disparities, Infrastructure challenges