Path-breaking rules under the Right to Education Act, in Gujarat

One major initiative of the Indian government, in the field of education, was the Right to Education Act of 2009. This act has major problems, as has been argued by numerous observers and experts in the field. This Act…

How to fulfil the RTE promise

Centre must fund the states, but let them identify the students who need help

After the Supreme Court judgment on the constitutionality of the Right to Education Act (RTE), the onus is now on the government to design a transparent, fair and…

Bastiat on the Balance of Trade

The Mercantilist fallacies exposed as long ago as Adam Smith still hold sway in popular thinking in part because of language of Mercantilism has not been abandoned. Many people, including those responsible for making policy, still believe that having a net of exports over…

Policy errors in response to ongoing economic & financial turmoil

Public-sector officials are seldom held accountable for their errors of judgements. While many policy choices will be driven by misguided ideology, there is also the matter of “unintended consequences”. Let’s survey a…

States Start Learning Fast

Expanding access, promoting quality and ensuring equity through free and compulsory education for every child between the ages of 6 and 14 is the grand promise of the Right to Education Act. The implementation of the Act is in state hands and states have been drafting rules to…