Globalisation and Political Economy of Education Development in South Asia

Using both quantitative and qualitative indicators of a few key parameters that define educational development, such as literacy, enrollment ratios in primary, secondary and higher levels of education, out-of-school children, inequalities, quality of teachers, public funding, international aid etc., this article analyses the status of education in South Asia and the factors that have contributed to the achievements and under achievements in school and higher education. Placed in the larger context of globalisation, this study highlights the trajectory of developments in education and the major guiding principles and factors that influence educational policies and development in the countries of the South Asian region. As an immediate and significant fallout, the general trends on how policies have facilitated the growth of certain types of educational institutions and practices are discussed, apart from discussing the global dynamics and connections that have led to distortions in national policies, shifts in principles of educational planning and developments. The article also refers to some landmark global declarations in the field of education that have shaped national policies, leading to shifting priorities, and changing principles and practices in these countries