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Does more schooling imply improved learning? Evidence from the Kanyashree Prakalpa in India

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  • Das, Upasak
  • Sarkhel, Prasenjit

Abstract

Studies on Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs have documented positive effects on school enrollment though evidence on learning outcomes is mixed. Using representative data, we evaluate one of the largest CCT programs, Kanyashree Prakalpa (KP), which was implemented in the state of West Bengal, India, in 2013. In particular, we examine the effect on female school enrollment and learning outcomes. Exploiting the timing of the program implementation for identification and applying difference-in-difference regressions, we document a positive effect on enrollment with no discernible impact on secondary and higher secondary school completion. We also observe significant improvements in lower-level learning outcomes but a marked deterioration in higher-level skills like solving simple division problems. Complementary investments like classroom availability and teacher attendance appear to have fallen after the implementation of KP, which explains the decline in learning skills despite higher schooling exposure, thereby underscoring the need for supply-side interventions in school amenities.

Suggested Citation

  • Das, Upasak & Sarkhel, Prasenjit, 2023. "Does more schooling imply improved learning? Evidence from the Kanyashree Prakalpa in India," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:94:y:2023:i:c:s0272775723000535
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2023.102406
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    Cited by:

    1. Nilanjan Bhattacharya & Debayan Pakrashi & Sarani Saha & Soham Sahoo, 2026. "Impact of Early Childhood School Intervention on Enrolment and Learning Outcomes: Evaluation of a Public Program in India," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 62(1), pages 46-67, January.
    2. Prashant Poddar & Valentina Rotondi & Ridhi Kashyap, 2025. "Access to technology and foundational math proficiency among students: empirical evidence from India," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Mookerjee, Mehreen & Ojha, Manini & Roy, Sanket & Yadav, Kartik, 2025. "Banning the bottle, shifting the balance: Impact of Reduced Alcohol Consumption on Women's Agency," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1662, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    4. Subarna Banerjee & Gitanjali Sen, 2024. "Persistent effects of a conditional cash transfer: a case of empowering women through Kanyashree in India," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 37(4), pages 1-38, December.
    5. Pearl S. Kyei & Fred Mawunyo Dzanku & Samuel Kobina Annim, 2025. "Changes in population literacy and numeracy in Ghana after three decades of free basic education," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 43(1), January.
    6. Simontini Das & Bidisha Chakraborty, 2026. "Women Empowerment, Parental Education and Future Human Capital Formation (Evidences from Urban Slum Area in India)," Journal of Quantitative Economics, Springer;The Indian Econometric Society (TIES), vol. 24(1), pages 127-177, March.

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