Paper Title
EDUCATION A FARAWAY DREAM FOR A GIRL CHILD BELONGING TO THE SCAVENGING COMMUNITIES: A CASE STUDY OF ODISHA

Abstract
Abstract - Education is often considered significant to unlock the door to opportunities for a better life. The Indian Constitution recognizes the right to education as a fundamental right of every child (aged 6 years to 14 years). It assures free and compulsory education to all children (irrespective of gender,caste, creed, household income, etc.) of the country. But, have you ever stopped to think about how many children benefitfrom free and compulsory education, particularly those belonging to deprived communities? The paper at hand discusses the outcome of an empirical study that addresses the prevailing gender difference in the educational status of slum children in Bhubaneswar's manual scavenging community.It tries to address the present Education Policies in terms of the inclusion of socially excluded communities. In addition, it attempts to comprehend the factors that influencegirls’ educational status and aspirations.The findings of the study reveal that there remains gender discrimination in the educational status of children.Also, it is influenced by factors such as the perception of the parents towards educating the girl child, financial conditions, birth order,health issues, adolescence age,and educational attainment of their parents. Keywords - Deprived, Education, Enrolment, Empowerment, and Gender