Para-teachers in India: A Review

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of ‘para’ teachers in India. It traces the origins of para-teacher schemes in the country and analysis the changing policy context where-in poorly paid and trained para-teachers on contract are increasingly being recruited in place of regular teachers in government schools. Drawing upon available research studies, the authors draw attention to the detrimental implications that para-teacher programmes have for professionalisation of teachers, the quality of schooling and equity concerns in education.