Publisher:
The University of Nottingham, Centre for Research in Economic Development and International Trade (CREDIT), Nottingham
Abstract:
Using longitudinal school data from India, this paper examines enrolment trends of socially disadvantaged children post the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which mandated the reservation of 25% of private school places for such children. Post-RTE, a significant increase is observed in disadvantaged children attending private schools. Difference-in-differences analysis reveals greater increases in schools previously below the 25% quota, especially those participating in the reservation policy. The results are however driven by a 'substitution' of places, where private schools are replacing free places under the policy with fee-paying disadvantaged children.