Policymaking with Sen and Ambedkar - Case of Right to Education in India

Abstract

Sen and Ambedkar represent different times in history, but they essentially want to tackle the same problems of political economy. On one hand, Ambedkar asserted that a social and economic reform must precede political reform in British India struggling to throw the yoke of colonial rule, on the other hand, in modern India, Sen enunciates how capacity building and capabilities approach to policy making can go a long way in strengthening democracy. As concerted policies in education have failed to deliver owing to the feudal mindset and incremental planning, it is time we look at issues of social justice, especially education, objectively. This paper examines the possible ways in which the thoughts and theories of these stalwarts can shape better public policies. To this end, a comparative study of themes like justice and democracy will be undertaken. Lastly, the paper analyses whether the Right to Education in India is a just policy when looked through the discerning eyes of Sen and Ambedkar.