What is the importance of free and compulsory education up to age fourteen in the National Population Policy?

Correct answer: It shifts children from work to human capital formation

The correct answer is A. Free and compulsory education up to fourteen gives children an opportunity to remain in school instead of entering work early. Schooling builds knowledge, skills, confidence, and human capital—the abilities that help people live healthier and more productive lives. Education can also reduce illiteracy, increase awareness of health and rights, and weaken the social conditions that encourage child marriage and very early parenthood. B is wrong because the policy is not limited to army recruitment. C is wrong because education generally supports later, informed marriage rather than lowering marriage age. D is wrong because education complements health services; it does not end them. The phrase “human capital” means useful knowledge and skills developed in people.