Abstract

The study investigated the implementation status of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) in Indian schools, focusing on inclusive education, safe school environments, and technical and vocational education. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to compare implementation processes in government and private schools in Delhi. A sample of 60 teachers, comprising 30 government schools and 30 private schools, were selected through random sampling to participate in a self-constructed questionnaire. This study examined the current status, identified barriers to implementation, and explored teachers' perceptions and practices. The results revealed that private schools slightly outperform government schools in implementing inclusive education and providing vocational training, though both sectors have room for improvement. The study identified several barriers to effective implementation, including inadequate teacher training, high student-teacher ratios, poor infrastructure, and socio-economic constraints. The findings highlighted the need for enhanced teacher training, policy reforms, and increased resource allocation to bridge existing gaps and ensure the effective achievement of SDG 4 goals, fostering an inclusive, safe, and skill-oriented learning environment for all students.