Madhya Pradesh

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Educational systems, implicitly or explicitly, reflect a philosophical vision. Interpretations of the self, mind and world based on such vision influence socio-cultural norms and relations. It also leads to theorisation, which when formulated into principles of action to understand the world become ideologies. All educational systems carry the germ of some ideology. This paper suggests that there are two broad epistemological premises that determine the structure of knowledge, meaning and truth. One that believes that reality is material and governed by laws that the human mind can understand; the other premise asserts the inherent creative principle of the human mind and that knowledge itself is in part constructed of sensory data and perception. Since it is never completely possible to move behind an epistemic frame, reform initiatives, especially in education, should question whether processes of reform will really ensure transformation of relationships on more equal terms or will they reinforce dependency and hierarchy.

This paper describes the process of relocation and rehabilitation of villages populated primarily by sahariya tribals in Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh. It examines the rehabilitation package offered, the process followed for relocation and resettlement and the impact that this shift has had on the livelihood of the affected people. While the rehabilitation package and the general attitude of the agency that carried out the relocation has been a significant improvement over previous such experiences, the shift has nevertheless had a negative impact on the livelihood of the people, at least in the short run.

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Caste still defines social and political identity and oppressed groups are represented by tiny sections from each group that are more or less integrated into the existing political system. The panchayat system serves as one of the instruments of this integration by opening the doors of opportunity for that tiny elite. They, in turn, mobilise votes for the major political parties. Whether the Congress wins the coming assembly elections or not, the utility of political decentralisation for the ruling class has been well and truly proved.