Secondary and university education is a source of economic prosperity, stability and security and a way to strengthen democratic institutions, reducing unemployment even in times of recession. Expanding access to education over the age of 14 is also essential to reduce inequalities. Although in the last 20 years the Indian government has invested considerably in the education sector, some critical issues remain: to date, half of the students who enrol in the first grade do not continue their studies beyond the tenth grade, moreover there are still many discriminations among the marginalised groups of the population such as girls and minority ethnic groups.