There are precedents in the country. In the area of child nutrition the painstaking work done by the Right to Food campaign and the Commissioners appointed by the Supreme Court of India play a significant role in monitoring what is happening on the ground. Similarly, a process is needed to bring together independent and experienced people with a high degree of commitment and track record of working in school education.

Central to this is a consensus on the minimum “non-negotiable” standard for schools and pre-schools, for teacher qualification (including subject knowledge) and for student assessment processes. The government needs to guard against opting for the least common denominator and firmly advocate high standards at all levels and in all kinds of schools and institutions. A resolve from the government to make sure that even the poorest and the most disadvantaged child can access quality education —and will be taught by a qualified and trained teacher — will go a long way in doing away with the hierarchies of schools (regular schools, alternative schools) and teachers.

The writer heads Education Research Unit, and has worked in the education sector for almost 25 years.