The Political Economy of Education in South Asia: Fighting Poverty, Inequality, and Exclusion

by John Richards, Manzoor Ahmed, and Md Shahidul Islam

Fazle Abed (Foreword)

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Book cover for The Political Economy of Education in South Asia

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With the exception of Sri Lanka, South Asian countries have not achieved quality basic education - an essential measure for escaping poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. In The Political Economy of Education in South Asia, John Richards, Manzoor Ahmed, and Shahidul Islam emphasize the importance of a dynamic system for education policy.


The Political Economy of Education in South Asia documents the weak core competency (reading and math) outcomes in government primary schools in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, and the consequent rapid growth of non-government schools over the last two decades. It compares the training, hiring, and management of teachers in South Asian schools to successful national systems ranging from Singapore to Finland. Discussing reform options, it makes the case public good and public priorities are better served when both public and non-government providers come under a strong public policy and accountability framework.


The Political Economy of Education in South Asia draws on the authors' broad engagement in education research and practice in South Asia, as well as analysis by prominent professors of education and NGO leaders, to place basic education in a broad context and make the case that universal literacy and numeracy are necessary foundations for economic growth.
  • ISBN10 1487503261
  • ISBN13 9781487503260
  • Publish Date 23 December 2021
  • Publish Status Out of Print
  • Out of Print 30 March 2022
  • Publish Country CA
  • Imprint University of Toronto Press
  • Format Hardcover
  • Pages 256
  • Language English