INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN RURAL INDIA: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT-A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW (2005-2025)

Patal Kumar Murasing

doi:10.34218/IJSSRD_07_02_005

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN RURAL INDIA: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT-A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW (2005-2025)

Authors

Patal Kumar Murasing

Assistant Professor, Department of Education, A.M.B.S.Mahavidyalaya, Amarpur, Gomati Tripura, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34218/IJSSRD_07_02_005

Keywords:

Inclusive Education, Rural India, SDG 4, PRISMA, Educational Equity, Rayyan, VOSviewer, Systematic Review, Policy Implementation

Synopsis

Inclusive education in rural India has become an essential component of the nation's strategy to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), that promotes for inclusive and equitable quality education. However, inequities in access, resources, infrastructure, and policy implementation consistently hinder advancement in rural areas.This systematic review synthesizes literature from January 2005 to June 2025 across five major databases: Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, PubMed, ERIC, and BASE, using PRISMA 2020 framework.134 records have beeninitially reviewed using Rayyan software, and 91 peer-reviewed studies were identified as suitable for the review. Key themes were mapped using VOSviewer for bibliometric and thematic clustering. The review identifies five major challenges: (1) infrastructural and technological barriers, (2) teacher preparedness and inclusive pedagogy, (3) policy-practice disconnects, (4) socio-cultural resistance, and (5) limited community participation. The study also highlights successful models and innovative practices with prospects for scaling. Findings underline the urgent need for localized policy actions, capacity-building, and sustained community involvement to bridge the urban-rural educational gap and promote inclusive education for sustainable development.

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