For long the right to education has been hailed as an intrinsic human right that needs to be protected and extended as an end in itself. However, despite the Indian Constitution specifying under Article 45 the resolve of the State to provide free and compulsory education to all children up to the age of 14 years, the goal of universal elementary education in India has eluded us so far. The landmark came in the form of the 86th Amendment to the Constitution of India in 2002 to make elementary education a fundamental right, guaranteeing ?free and compulsory education to all children (6-14 years) as the State may by law determine.? And the same year the government launched one of its most ambitious schemes to achieve the goal ? Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) ? with respect to enrollment and retention by 2010.
The point is why after 60 years of independence, 55 years of development planning and more than 45 years after the date set by the Constitution, why universal elementary education has eluded us? According to the NSS 61st round records, 11% of the 6-14 year old children had never enrolled! The drop out rate in 2004-05 remained at a shocking 50.84%. Concerns, Conflicts, and Cohesions successfully attempts to address the multiple concerns associated with the endeavour.
It is imperative to highlight that the goal of UEE needs to be achieved quantitatively and on quality. The book maps several challenges that must be overcome ?concerning curriculum, pedagogy and learning; the disparities and inequities in education; the cause of children with disabilities, of over-age and out of school children, and child labour ? in sufficient detail. While Jandhyala BG Tilak does a detailed review of the progress, policies and problems pertaining to elementary education, Vimala Ramachandran highlights the systemic barriers to equity in education. Tilak among other issues emphasises on the urgent need for more and more resources for the development of education. Krishna Kumar in ?The Challenge of Quality?, strongly reiterates the idea that the system has the potential to reform itself, provided the policy makers do not neglect new ideas and practises that emerge from innovative experiences on the ground.
All in all, this compendium of stimulating essays is definitely worth a read to understand the real issues and concerns that are instrumental in helping India realise the massive opportunity it has at hand.