New Delhi, June 25 -- Even if we focus narrowly on the most basic education outcomes-whether children can do simple mathematics or read and write with comprehension-the variations across Indian states are striking. These differences aren't merely between states; they exist within them as well. But inter-state disparities are particularly revealing because they point to systemic strengths and failures that go beyond economic development.

If richer states always performed better, broad parts of the explanation may have been more straightforward. But that isn't the case. Some economically weaker states outperform wealthier ones, while others with ample resources struggle. This suggests something deeper at play. Governance, policy consistenc...