The Right to Education and the Emergence of Non-state Actors

The Right to Education and the Emergence of Non-state Actors: The Case of India

CORD is collaborating with Dr Prachi Srivastava of the University of Western Ontario for this research. The research is being supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

Broad Research Programme
The research seeks to examine the development of the right to education in India. In particular, it aims to understand the changing relationships between the state and non-state actors (NSAs) in education provision.

The case of India is instrumental because of its marked macro-policy moments from a post-colonial planned economic polity at independence in 1947, to liberalization in 1991, and rapid globalization post-2000. And yet, the evolution and social consequences of these changes in education are significantly under-researched. This research aims to address that lack given India’s increasing influence, both as a prominent regional player in Asia and rising global power.

Research Objectives and Research Nodes
Each of the research objectives corresponds to a research node that will guide research activities. Research nodes are intended as integrative pillars across which to generate broader insights.

Research Node 1: Institutional Evolution of NSAs and Education

To trace the changes in policy frameworks regarding the role of the state and NSAs in education at key macro-policy periods
To examine how education is framed for disadvantaged groups.

Research Node 2: Implementation of the RTE Act and the Role of NSAs

To gain an understanding of the implementation of the RTE Act, and the influence of NSAs in this process.

Research Node 3: Influence of ‘New/Non-traditional’ NSAs in Education

To critically analyse the influence of ‘new/non-traditional’ NSAs (e.g. think tanks, consultancies, philanthropies, CSR units, etc.) in education.