Voices From the Periphery: a Critical Analysis of Indigenous Peoples’ Education and Democratic Participation in India
Year: 2026
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: : Law and policy plays crucial role in functioning of the body politic. Often, their orientation -in the critical legal studies sense - is reflection of the prevalent social realities and interplay of various dynamics in the society at large. This chapter offers a critical analysis of Indigenous Peoples’ education in India, emphasizing the need to situate educational challenges within a broader socio-legal and political context. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, along with judicial interpretations of relevant laws, presents a timely opportunity to critically engage with the education of Indigenous communities and address persistent educational disparities. Education plays a vital role in fostering resilience and improving life outcomes. It is not merely a developmental tool; it is fundamental to democratic participation, identity assertion, and socio-political empowerment. Yet, systemic biases and institutional neglect continue to marginalize Indigenous voices in both policy-making and practice. Drawing on comparative insights from Australia and other jurisdictions, this chapter highlights that ‘institutional attitude’ manifested in systemic bias and structural neglect continues to hinder meaningful educational inclusion of Indigenous peoples'. By deconstructing these barriers, the chapter calls for a reimagining of education policy as a participatory and rights-based process. Insights from this chapter can inform development of responsive laws and policies that empower Indigenous communities education and thereby enabling them to realize their full potential, reclaim their public voice, and actively participate in the body politic.
Authors: Karan Choudhary, Siddharth Choudhary
Language: English
Subfield: Law
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7150741631