Phase VI (2003-15): Re-defining KB’s Role in Social Transformation

Beginning in 2003-04, the EC undertook a detailed analysis of the post- globalisation education policies and evaluation of neoliberal impact on Indian polity, in general, and education, in particular. It was understood that the rising educational crisis as a result of neoliberal economic order called for a major people’s movement to resist its attack. In 2006-07, a decision was taken by EC to redefine KB’s role such that its institutional structure can provide critical support to building a people’s movement in education with a view to redeem India’s education as well as sovereignty from neoliberal assault and, in the process, also reconstruct the education system for future generations as per India’s Constitution. This must be recorded as an unprecedented decision for a voluntary organisation in India’s history of the upsurge of voluntary movement since early 20th century.

Also, it was decided to involve younger people in KB’s work and EC itself in order to broaden the scope of KB’s programmes. Accordingly, in 2008-09, a rigorous exercise was undo:rtaken to revise KB’s Memorandum of Association in order to attract younger people to associate with KB as per their particular interest areas.

Since 2007, KB has provided critical support to building a people’s movement in education against the neoliberal policies. From June 2009 onwards, this support has been provided to the All India Forum for Right to Education (AIFRTE) in particular through provision of critical fellowships and stipends; partial financial support to training programmes, workshops, conferences, documentation and publication; and strengthening the general process of raising people’s consciousness regarding how neoliberalism is distorting and destroying the education system, thereby building an alternative education system based upon the Constitution through a people’s movement.

In the same vein, since 2011-12, KB has provided subtle but critical support to the task of building people’s consciousness against the privatization of water, through PPP or otherwise, in Madhya Pradesh due to the neoliberal water policy of the centre.