2nd Impression
344+viii, First Published in 2007
PB Revised Impression 2025
There was a massive turn of events in education in the late 1990s, particularly with the emergence of right wing BJP into power. We decided to take a fresh look at the dynamics of development of Indian education, based on our experience in Indian Education: Development since Independence.
Several major institutions like CABE, ACC etc. were adapted to suit political agenda of cultural nationalism during the NDA regime. There was no qualitative shift in the regime that succeeded. It resurrected CABE, but stuffed with 'one dimensional' intellectuals. Political and bureaucratic obedience was preferred over academic excellence for the leadership position in higher education institutions. School curriculum shuttled between the 'left' and 'right', leaving students' interest in the back burner. Anti-reservation agitation by the bright students, India's future, met with water cannons, 'lathis' and gunshots when traders' agitation met with 'tears' across party lines. A dangerous trend of 'utter politicalization' of education was set in motion. This dynamics needs to be captured.
This book comprises 15 chapters; a chapter each on to elementary education, adult education, education of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, secondary education, higher education, technical education, women's education, inclusive education, educational technology, teacher education, media in education, open and distance education, and educational financing. These 13 chapters has been preceded by a chapter each on an overview of development of education since independence, and evolution of educational policies in India. Each chapter coming from distinguished specialist in the respective field adds additional value to the book.
Professor Marmar Mukhopadhyay former Joint Director and Director (i/c) of NIEPA was involved in educational policy making planning implementing and evaluating at the highest level. He is an articulate author with several books to his credit including Total Quality Management Story of EDUSAT and Educational Technology: Knowledge Assessment. Dr. Madhu Parhar is Reader in Distance Education in STRIDE of Indira Gandhi National Open University New Delhi. An established researcher and author has contributed to several Indian and International Journals; her book Satellite in Education is the most comprehensive research treatise on the subject.