ABSTRACT
India is a prime example of “unity in diversity” with its multiple states, languages, religions, and cultures. While a rich cultural heritage is an outstanding characteristic of the country, social hierarchies due to the caste system, the widening gap between the rich and poor, and the gap between the educated “elite” and the uneducated are also an integral part of Indian society. The diversity of languages, or multilingualism, is a unique characteristic of the country and also a cause of concern in the education sector in country which has over 200 languages. Schools in India are owned either by the government or private entities. The salaries of these private-unaided school teachers are therefore lower and hence more cost effective. In government schools, which still represent a larger share of the schools in India, despite the presence of qualified teachers and the higher salaries paid to them, learning outcomes are relatively low.
