Re-Examining Vocational Education in Indian Education System on Reproducing Status quo among the Marginalized

ABSTRACT This paper examines the status of vocational education and training (VET) in India, amid the Indian government’s focus on vocational education in schools to increase their employability. The authors discuss the challenges associated with the VET through socioeconomic implications especially for the marginalized population. The paper highlights the gaps between the aims of VET and Sustainable Development Goals 4 to access equitable and quality education and Sustainable Development Goal-8 for achieving a decent job amid the contrasting development through reduced public funding in education including VET. The paper observes an overlapping of general and vocational education and lower employment. The paper suggests sincere engagement of public and private stakeholders to provide VET to aspirants irrespective of any discrimination. Finally, the paper recommends higher public funding to create a stronger robust VET system and to offer more inclusivity and quality education and training for all.