Education reforms

Since it's re-election in May 2009 India's United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government has announced a slew of reforms in education.  In its 'first 100 days' agenda for education, the government passed landmark legislation on elementary education, launched a major push to provide secondary education to all 15-19 year olds and floated various reform proposals for higher education.   The first major plank in education reform was passage in August 2009 of the Free and Compulsory Education Act. Under the Act, the Central and State Governments will be responsible for ensuring that every child from age six to 14 has access to a good quality education. The new Act prescribes norms and standards for schools in relation to pupil-teacher ratios, days of instruction, school buildings and equipment, and library and sport facilities.   It also requires private schools to reserve a quarter of first year places for pupils from disadvantaged groups (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes...