Child health, labor and primary school enrollment in rural India

Abstract

The present study examines the determinants of primary school enrollment in rural India. Taking account of demand and supply side factors of education, we attempt to assess the impact of child health on parent decision for child education. Although it is an important factor determining whether or not a child is sent to school, its impact has been relatively overlooked. It is observed from that a better health is likely to increase the probability of girls’ enrollment while reducing the likelihood of school participation for boys. Given the prevalence of child labor as an important income source for household, our findings suggest that rural Indian households might weight current income from their sons. Extending the dichotomous analysis, the present study also investigates the role of child health on child status – ‘enrolled only’, ‘enrolled and work’, ‘work only’ and ‘no where - neither in school nor at work’ and confirm a strong association between girls’ health status and schooling.