Determinants of Elementary Education Expenditure in Uttar Pradesh: An Empirical Investigation.

This study analyzes the disparities in household expenditure on education up to the elementary level in Uttar Pradesh (UP). It analyzes social status defining variables along with some household environment variables in the most populous state of India. This study focuses on the role of caste, class (economic class), and their interactions in influencing the household education expenditure with respect to localities/sector, gender and type of schools in UP. It used secondary data from the 71st round of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). A total of 36,479 urban and 29,447 rural households having children aged 5-29 years, receiving any type of education were surveyed. Using 'Tobit model', it finds inequality existing at different levels. The study suggests strengthening of the economic structure of lower income classes (irrespective of caste) by providing more employment opportunities and continuing financial support, and also trying to implement a universal curriculum structure in all types of schools. Further, there is a need to strengthen the management system and ensure the accountability of teachers in government schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]