India has made significant strides in increasing access to education, but there are several reasons why it hasn’t implemented a completely free education system like the one in the United States:

1. Historical context: Education in India has a different historical context compared to the United States. Education was never a universal right in India, and it was only made compulsory for children between 6 and 14 in 2009. In contrast, the US has a long history of free public education dating back to the 19th century.
2. Economic constraints: India is a developing country with significant economic challenges, including poverty, inequality, and limited resources. Providing free education would require a substantial investment of resources, which may not be feasible given the current economic situation.
3. Fiscal constraints: The Indian government faces significant fiscal challenges, including a large budget deficit and a high debt-to-GDP ratio. Implementing a completely free education system would require significant funding, which could be difficult to allocate given the existing financial constraints.
4. Structural issues: India’s education system is still grappling with issues such as low teacher morale, inadequate infrastructure, and poor quality of education. Addressing these structural issues would require significant reforms and investments, which may not be feasible under a completely free education system.
5. Private sector involvement: The private sector plays a significant role in India’s education sector, providing quality education to many students. While this can create inequality, it also provides an alternative to the public education system. Implementing a completely free education system might lead to a decline in private sector involvement and investment in education.
6. Targeted support: Instead of providing free education to all students, the Indian government has opted for targeted support programs for marginalized groups, such as the economically backward classes and Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes. These programs aim to provide financial assistance and scholarships to help these groups access quality education.
7. Experimentation with fee structure: The Indian government has experimented with different fee structures, such as the Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009, which ensures that all children between 6 and 14 receive free and compulsory education. This law has been implemented in various forms across different states, with some states opting for full fee reimbursement or partial fee reimbursement.