'Social mobility is essential for achieving true equality within society'. In this context highlight the barriers to intergenerational mobility in Indian society, and examine the role of education on social mobility.

Importance

1. It helps to break the shackles which are illogically assigned by birth.

2. Gives hope & leadership with a sense of autonomy to peers.

3. Critical to foster a sense of modern & Rational outlook in traditional society.

4. Inclusive development aspect (rather than 1% growing)

Barriers to Intergenerational mobility

I. Economic

(1) Poverty } Low Invest@ → Health, Nutrition → Education → skills, etc. } Poor mobility

(II) Inequality → K-shaped recovery → Gap is increasing (Oxfam Report)

II. Social / caste

(1) Ascriptive status by birth: Dalits & Tribes are found at bottom rungs of social hierarchy

(II) They are denied equal treatment, equal opportunities, etc.

III. Gender

(1) women & trans people often are clutched by societal restrictions

(2) NHRC, 2018 : over 96% transgenders were denied formal opportunities

IV. Miscellaneous

(1) Regional (Rural-urban disparity)

(2) Global north-Global south debate

Role of education in mobility

I. Personal level (1) Sense of self worth (2) High PCI & Human capital (Sen's capability approach) (3) Better Nutrition, Health outcomes.

II. Impact on family (1) Families can come out of ghettoization blocks. (2) Can form social networks, gain opportunities

III. Impact on community (1) Outward optimism in community (2) Acts as role models for others. (3) Changes perspective of society's other factions.