ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that in the context of high rates of informal employment, a different relationship between education and work is needed. It provides the size of the problem and the diversity within India's economy and education system, the pursuit of a single uniform format across the country is likely to be self-defeating. The chapter argues that the most effective policy response to contemporary education and employment challenges would be to innovate through multiple strategies. The current education system in India is oriented towards encouraging the aspiration for regular formal work and imparting the abilities needed to achieve formal employment. This chapter argues that it is equally necessary to examine the education system. Instead of focusing on how to better fit people to jobs, a different approach to the relationship between education and work is needed. It suggests that multiple strategies are needed to develop an education system that actively encourages these diverse livelihood trajectories.
