Political Economy of Education in India (An Analysis of Macro Economic Changes and their Impact on Education)

This paper examines the priorities of the government for reform of the education sector in the context of structural adjustment programme. Growth of education in post-Independence India in terms of quantity and the expenditure pattern reveals that there is still an unfinished job in achieving minimum levels of education for all. The problematic issues identified are inadequate financing, uneven allocation of resources, high wastage, etc. An analysis of the data on education participation of population reveals that the poorer sections and females are deprived of education in the country. Current enrollment status also reveals that poorer sections of students are not in higher education levels in appreciable numbers. Corrective measures are necessary to protect the interests of the poor.