Invitation to Launch of Boondein: Celebrating Budget Private Schools

Aug 26 at 5:31 PM

CENTRE FOR CIVIL SOCIETY Social Change Through Public Policy Press Launch Invitation to Celebrate Boondein: Budget Performing SchoolsSaturday, 30 August 2014 | 10:30 am- 1 pm Lecture Room II, India International Centre, New Delhi I would like to invite you to the launch ofBoondein, our campaign and coffee table book on the Stories of Hope from Budget Private Schools in India hosted by Centre for Civil Society on 30 August, 10:30am-1pm at Lecture Room-II, India International Centre (Annexe Building)​, Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, DL 110003. Mr Gurcharan Das, Author and Columnist, will be delivering the keynote address at the launch, followed by sharing of CCS’ recent study/research in Punjab on school closures of budget private schools. At the launch, school leaders and BPS owners will personally share the plight these schools are going through due to the mandatory legislations under RTE. The recent decades have witnessed an upsurge in budget private schools (BPS) – low fee schools which currently function at one-third the cost of government per-child expenditure in public schools, serving the poorest sections of society (with equal or better learning outcomes). While the RTE legislation mandates that these schools are not in compliance with RTE norms and standards, severely restricting the scope of private edupreneurs to operate budget private schools. Media reports that since the passing of the RTE in 2010, 2,983 schools have been shut down across 17 states, and another 5,907 face threat of closure. In Punjab alone, 1,170 schools have been shut down. The actual numbers are even greater affecting over 18,00,000 students. These figures are alarming and we believe the time to ACT is now! Boondein, the coffee table book, captures 45 stories of fortitude spread across four states and showcases the essence of these schools, why parents prefer these schools to their government counterparts, what made these edupreneurs start these schools; building evidence for their relevance and acknowledging their contribution in achieving universal education for all children in India. Please find the invitation attached. Your support is critical and we’d be honoured to have you join us for an endeavour of meaningful dialogue on this profound issue. Due to limited space, attendance is by confirmation only. Please RSVP ​to me at samta@ccs.in | +91 99538 27773 latest by 28 August 2014. For the Right to Education of Choice! Samta AroraCentre for Civil Society