Abstract
This article begins with an overview of the current elementary education scenario in India. It notes that while the Right to Education (RTE) Act has made progress in access to education, the delivery of education has worsened. The article analyses the reasons for this by using two main levers of the system: financial support and accountability. As far as support is concerned, three areas need attention, specifically, the low funding of education when compared with the global average; a mismatch between funds approved, actual funds available and funds spent; and inefficient, delayed and rushed expenditure. In terms of accountability, two main systemic gaps have been explored: accountability at the input level instead of the output level and accountability to funders instead of the community, with an emphasis on teachers’ accountability. Based on findings from analyses, the article concludes with recommendations for the better performance of the education system and argues for an overhaul of the processes that are currently in place.
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