Education is a significant arena that is affected by policy changes. Private provision of education along market principles that advocate profit rather than broader aims of education, a subject of debate for long, raises concerns regarding equity and quality. Private education institutions, although serve the poor also, are said to be businesses.
This workprobes the question of education in such ambience empowering the backward minorities, focusing on the Muslim community, and how it enables them to exercise control over their lives and well- being- the empowering element. It seeks to place empowerment at the centre of education policies and programmes. It also focuses on the question of educated individuals also taking responsibility for the progress of their community.
This book would be a stimulating and inspiring contribution worthy of attention and interest to academics, researchers, public policy makers, bureaucrats/education administrators, political leaders and social activists. It would also influence public perception of the role of education and education problems, and enable them to identify appropriate education needs oriented towards human empowerment.
Dr. A. Basheer taught Political Science for more than 30 years at University of Kerala and major Government Colleges under various universities of Kerala. He is a relentless and serious researcher. He was Associate Editor of the “Journal of Polity and Society” published from University of Kerala. He has published a number of research articles in reputed journals and research papers in edited books, and presented research papers in national and international seminars and workshops.
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Abbreviation
1 Introduction
2. Education and its Role in Society
Education in Islam
Gandhian Education
Functions of Education
Education and Human Development
Education and Human Capital Development
Negative Effects of Education
Consequences of Lack of Education
3. Empowerment: The Concept and Dimensions—Theoretical Perspectives
Empowerment and Exercise of Power
Empowerment and Leadership
Community Empowerment
Strategies of Empowerment
Empowerment through Education
Empowerment through Organisation
Empowering Minority Communities
Issues in Empowerment of Minorities
4. Education Policy of Kerala
Global Context in Respect of Provision of Education
Constitutional Provisions Regarding Education in India
Right to Education
National Education Policy
Inclusive Education
Universal Education
Government Strategy to Promote Education.
Privatisation of Education: Neo-liberal Influence
Privatisation of Education
Rationale for Privatisation
Cost Recovery
Kerala Education Profile
Public Education in Kerala
Privatisation Galore in Kerala
Court Facilitates Freedom of the Private Sector
Asymmetrical System
5. Socio-Economic Profile and Educational Status Muslim Community in Kerala
Status of Muslims in Kerala: Factors Responsible for their
Educational Backwardness
Asymmetry in Education Attainment
6. Privatisation of Education and Empowerment: Experience of the Muslim Community in Kerala
Privatisation of Education and Empowerment of the Backward Muslim Community in Kerala
Access and Equity Problems
Scope of Private Sector Education as a Tool of Empowerment
Reducing Socio-economic Gap
Improvement in Economic Status
Quality Decline in Education
The Community Advancing Towards Progress and Empowerment
Capacity to Self-Determine Lives
Preference for Private Institutions
Findings
Suggestions
Index
"I have read the first half of your book with pleasure and agreement and hope to finish it soon. It takes more time than on eould expect from its size. If you beliefe that i could do something ot facilitate publication in other countries or draw attention to it in your own country, do not hesitate to let me know. With the expression of my appreciation and thanks."
Albert Einstein
To Amlan Datta, on reading his book: "For Democracy"1953