Challenges in School Education Policies in India: A Focus on School Curriculum on the Basis of Empirical Research Dr. Vanisri Garimella Ph. D in Political Science, University of Hyderabad, P.O. Central University, Hyderabad Online published on 20 June, 2019. Abstract The 2013 National Policy for Children unequivocally prioritizes education for underprivileged group of children by creating an enabling environment with necessary legislations, policy measures and provisions (National Policy for Children 2013). It calls for addressing discrimination of all forms in schools and promoting equal opportunity, treatment and participation in education. The 12th Five Year Plan (2012–17) further reiterates the continuing of four priorities for education-access, equity, quality and governance. The 12th plan acknowledges strategies adopted so far to resolve the multifarious and enduring nature of inequality and exclusion have been secluded, fragmented and devoid of institutional support. One of the form of exclusion is encouraged with private players involved in schooling (Five Year Plan, Social Sector Vol. 111). It increases the gap between haves and have-nots in education. Liberalization allows more autonomy to private players to run institutions. Much private institutions from play school to secondary school are trying to get affiliated with European Universities for obtaining better curriculum. Same with the case referred with IGCSE(The International General certificate for Education) board affiliated to IB International Baccalaureate. The cost is borne by the individual. With ICSE, which started as replacement to Cambridge syllables to establish all India examinations curriculum, CBSE boards, private schools are coming up with senior Cambridge curriculum with advanced version, which some where overrides the national curriculum. This shows there is no uniformity in curriculum in India. In this background, the paper focuses on various disparities in school education with special thrust on reasons affecting uniformity in curriculumby studying the policies and acts related to school education and the role played by the state in bringing uniformity in curriculum. The analysis is based on reports of various organisations on curriculum, and also my empirical research on different aspects of schooling. Top Keywords Education reforms, international curriculum, judicial judgments, social interdependencies. Top |