Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Friedrich Naumann Stiftung für die Freiheit
- Foreword
- Preface
- 1 The Evolution of the Liberal Idea
- 2 The Fundamentals of Liberalism
- 3 Historical Roots of South Asian Liberalism
- 4 Liberalism and Constitutionalism: Parliament and the Judiciary
- 5 The Market Economy and Welfare: An Introductory Note
- 6 Grassroots Capitalism: A Glimpse of the Unrecognised India
- 7 Empowering the Poor: A Liberal Approach to Education Reforms
- 8 Not by Religion Alone: Aspects of Pakistani Society
- 9 An Appraisal of Economic Liberalisation in Pakistan
- 10 Religion and Culture in the Liberal State
- 11 Social Freedom in the Liberal State
- 12 The Future of Liberalism in South Asia
- Select Bibliography
- Notes on Contributors
7 - Empowering the Poor: A Liberal Approach to Education Reforms
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 November 2011
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Friedrich Naumann Stiftung für die Freiheit
- Foreword
- Preface
- 1 The Evolution of the Liberal Idea
- 2 The Fundamentals of Liberalism
- 3 Historical Roots of South Asian Liberalism
- 4 Liberalism and Constitutionalism: Parliament and the Judiciary
- 5 The Market Economy and Welfare: An Introductory Note
- 6 Grassroots Capitalism: A Glimpse of the Unrecognised India
- 7 Empowering the Poor: A Liberal Approach to Education Reforms
- 8 Not by Religion Alone: Aspects of Pakistani Society
- 9 An Appraisal of Economic Liberalisation in Pakistan
- 10 Religion and Culture in the Liberal State
- 11 Social Freedom in the Liberal State
- 12 The Future of Liberalism in South Asia
- Select Bibliography
- Notes on Contributors
Summary
Editor's Note
Most countries in South Asia have now moved to open economies from the statist consensus of the first couple of decades after independence. However there is still a marked tendency to rely on statism for social goods. In this context, India has shown the benefits of greater choice in the manner in which literacy has improved over the last decade, running parallel as it were with economic growth.
In this article Parth Shah deals with the problems that still remain, and the mindset that needs to be overcome. The experiences on which the article is based show how, even in the face of restrictions, the desire for freedom and choice will assert itself. The example of Kerala which he cites shows how easy and productive it is to escape from a straitjacket of dogma. When that is understood, the potential for massive improvements might be realised in accordance with fundamental liberal principles.
Introduction
The significance of education for economic growth and a progressive society needs no argument, but providing even basic education to a billion people is a gargantuan task. So how can the Indian masses be educated? What are the roles of the state, the market and civil society in this venture? This discussion on the delivery of quality education is India centric, but its lessons are applicable generally, particularly in the countries of South Asia.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Liberal Perspectives for South Asia , pp. 91 - 118Publisher: Foundation BooksPrint publication year: 2009