[raincom]

Under the license raj/socialism, before Indian opened doors for liberalization, the only way for 99% of Indians to make a good living was to get a government job. As Indian population boomed, the competition for even sweeper jobs (which provide retirement, decent salary, even free housing) became fierce. So, the government started a new rule: every candidate who applies for any govt job has to pass 10th grade (these exams are conducted by every state government).

This has led to new minimum for anyone who wants a job: pass 10th grade exam. Hence, cheating. Why do insist on 10th grade for sweeper jobs? Why insist on 10th grade for army soldiers?

This is like in America, where every one insists on BA/BS. Then you see lots of shitty colleges who are making like bandits through loans backed by the government.

[beerlord]

Overpopulation. Too many people, not enough resources to support them. 600m Indians without proper access to water. Better access to contraception and changing social attitudes needed - the expectation that if you are impoverished you should have no children and save your money to improve your wellbeing, for example.

[raincom]

Empirically speaking, poor people (and the super wealthy) have more kids than the middle class do.