Is India’s Education Policy Linked to Political Control? A Critical Analysis of Education, IQ, and Religion
India’s education system has long been a subject of debate, with critics pointing out that despite being one of the fastest-growing economies, the country’s public education system remains underfunded, outdated, and largely inaccessible for vast segments of the population. But what if there is more at play here than just bureaucratic inefficiency?
A theory circulating among political analysts and social commentators suggests that there could be a deliberate underinvestment in quality education by the Indian government. The underlying belief is that:
- Lower IQs in the population correlate with higher religiosity.
- Higher religiosity can be leveraged for political power, particularly in a system dominated by identity politics.
- As a result, religiosity-driven voting could help political parties like the BJP retain their support base.
Is there any truth to this theory? Let’s explore the facts and patterns.
Underinvestment in Education: A Historical Trend?
India’s public education budget has long been a topic of concern. The country spends just 2.9% of its GDP on education, which is far below the global average of about 4.5%. The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 suggests increasing education spending to 6% of GDP, but there’s no clear timeline or binding commitment to achieve this goal.
The effects of this underinvestment are visible in various forms:
- Poor infrastructure: Schools in rural and marginalized areas often lack proper buildings, sanitation, and access to digital resources.
- Low learning outcomes: A report from UNESCO in 2022 highlighted that nearly 60% of Indian children in grade 5 cannot read a grade 2-level text.
- High dropout rates: A study by Pratham found that over 60% of children in rural areas dropout before completing secondary education.
This state of affairs has created an education system that primarily focuses on rote memorization rather than critical thinking, leaving many students underprepared to engage in complex discussions or challenge traditional beliefs.
IQ, Education, and Religiosity: What’s the Link?
Psychological studies have shown that there is a correlation between lower IQ and higher religiosity. For example, studies conducted by researchers like Zuckerman, Silberman, & Hall (2013) found that people with lower cognitive ability tend to exhibit higher religiosity.
But how does this relate to India?
- According to Richard Lynn and Tatu Vanhanen’s “IQ and the Wealth of Nations” (2006), India’s average IQ is approximately 81, which is below the global average of 100. This is partly due to disparities in access to quality education.
- Lower IQ scores can correlate with increased belief in religious explanations rather than secular, scientific thinking. In a country like India, where religion plays a central role in politics, this pattern is particularly pronounced.
- In India, Hinduism remains the dominant religion, with 79.8% of the population identifying as Hindu, followed by Muslims (14.2%) and other religions like Christianity and Sikhism making up smaller portions. Religiosity in India is often tied to political loyalty and is leveraged in the BJP’s electoral strategy, especially in regions with lower educational outcomes.
Religion and Voting Behavior: The BJP’s Strategy?
Religiosity, particularly in the form of Hindu nationalism, has been central to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s political identity. The party’s massive support base, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, comes from Hindu-majority areas with relatively low educational indicators.
The BJP has made concerted efforts to:
- Build temples and religious monuments like the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
- Use religious symbolism to rally voters, such as by promoting Hindu festivals and holding religious rallies.
This is not just a matter of religious devotion, but a political tool. The BJP’s use of religion as a mobilizing force has made it possible to secure votes based on religious identity rather than policy platforms. States with lower education levels also tend to see higher voter loyalty for the BJP.
The Cycle: Education, Religiosity, and Politics
Critics argue that this pattern forms a self-perpetuating cycle:
- Poor education leads to low IQ levels, which in turn increases religiosity among the population.
- Increased religiosity makes people more vulnerable to identity-based politics, where their voting behavior is guided by religious affiliations.
- Politicians, particularly those in the BJP, use religious appeal to maintain power, creating a cycle where educational reform remains underprioritized.
While this theory is speculative, it highlights a potential link between educational underinvestment and the dominance of religiously motivated politics.
Counterarguments: A Complex Reality
It’s important to note that this theory is not universally accepted. There are several counterpoints:
- BJP’s role in education reform: Under the BJP government, initiatives like Skill India, the New Education Policy (NEP), and SWAYAM, a platform for digital learning, have been introduced. These efforts aim to provide skill development and online education to India’s youth, especially in rural areas.
- Religiosity is not inherently harmful: Many highly educated religious leaders and thinkers have emerged from India’s religious communities.
- Educational neglect predates the BJP: India’s education system has struggled with low investment and inequality long before the BJP came to power. Previous Congress governments also failed to meet the country’s educational aspirations.
Thus, while education and religion are deeply connected in shaping society, this theory should not be treated as an absolute but rather as a starting point for deeper social, political, and educational discussions.
Conclusion: Is It a Conspiracy or a Systemic Issue?
While the idea that the government is deliberately keeping IQ low to maintain political control is a theory, the broader critique about India’s education system and its intersection with politics is undeniable. The lack of robust investment in education, combined with the BJP’s focus on religious identity politics, raises significant questions about how education and religion shape Indian democracy.
India needs an urgent education overhaul to provide future generations with the tools to think critically, engage in rational discourse, and challenge the status quo. This is the only way to break the cycle where education and politics become tools of control rather than empowerment.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available research and sociopolitical theory. The intent is not to accuse or defame any particular individual or party, but to critically examine systemic issues within India’s educational policies and their potential social implications.
