As of 2019, Seva Mandir has begun to work on improving the access to and the quality of government primary schools. Government schools are available in some villages with which Seva Mandir works, though they suffer from teacher absenteeism, a lack of subject-appropriate teachers, a scarcity of learning materials and poor infrastructure and hygiene facilities. A study conducted by Seva Mandir showed that some students were unable to read and write after 4–5 years of enrolment. Students also informed us that, aside from pressure to begin working to support their family’s income, the lack of facilities in the schools between Classes 5 and 8 was a reason not to continue in the government schools.
As a result, we have begun working with schools and teachers to improve standards.