State, Civil Society and Right to Education

Based on research work, the book deals with school education and its relationship with the larger social, political and economic dynamics, with particular reference to the state of Manipur. It examines the challenges that exist in achieving the ‘right to education’ agenda, arguing that societal reforms and not just reforms in the education sector are needed and there are regional challenges which have to be addressed. It makes a detailed study of the government school in Manipur: the infrastructure, teaching/learning aids, the mid-day meal scheme, teachers’ qualifications and training, teaching methods, the classroom and the impact of violence on the school children. With reference to specific schools in the state, it discusses the form that civil society interventions can take to improve school education, such as through literacy campaign to reach the neglected children and by improving accountability and autonomy of schools.