1. Understanding the Factors that Influence NGO-Government Partnerships: A
case for Improving the Quality of Education in India.
ABSTRACT
NGO-government partnerships have been recognised as a cardinal instrument to
improve the quality of education in India. This study identifies and investigates the
factors that influence an NGO-government partnership, and examines the implications
of their influence on improving the learning levels of children in India. A critical
consideration of the literature on partnerships and quality of education is exploited to
establish a conceptual framework that enables an amalgamated yet detailed analysis
of the factors – structural, behavioural and cultural, and contextual – influencing
NGO government partnerships and their redound. The case study analysis of a
national educational NGO, Pratham and its partnership with the district government
of Jehanabad is supplemented by information from semi-structured interviews of
both, government and NGO personnel at the central, state and district level. The
analysis reveals that although the partnership is able to achieve its goal of improved
learning levels in schools, various factors inhibit the continuity and sustainability of
the programme efforts. The research suggests that any NGO-government partnership,
aiming to improve the quality of education in India requires an outcome focused
policy framework, but also needs to adopt a dialectal mode of interaction, prepare for
changes in government personnel and align the motivations of all actors at all levels.