Sumeet Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of LEAD Group, proposes a public-private partnership model to enhance India’s K-12 education system. He highlights the need for accountability, innovation, and technology to drive large-scale improvements in student learning outcomes.
The Need for Educational Reform
With 1.5 million schools in India, of which one million are government-run, concerns about the quality of education persist. While students are enrolled, their actual learning levels remain uncertain. According to Mehta, the government should focus on policy and regulation while private players handle school operations under strict accountability measures.
Mehta suggests that private organizations with expertise in school management should be given responsibility for a set number of government schools. This could be implemented as a pilot program, where 10 leading K-12 education providers manage 500 schools each. If successful, the model could be expanded to thousands of schools, ensuring better educational outcomes.
Implementing a Public-Private Model
To make this model work, Mehta emphasizes the importance of a structured approach:
- Outcome-Based Accountability: Schools should undergo independent assessments before and after private management to track improvements. Payment models could be linked to results, ensuring efficiency.
- Gradual Scaling: Instead of immediate large-scale reforms, the initiative should begin with a test model involving 100–500 schools, similar to successful charter school models in the U.S.
- Government Support: A new initiative under the government’s flagship programs, similar to Kendriya Vidyalayas, could provide a structured framework for public-private partnerships.
Additionally, Mehta points out that many government schools have fewer than 50 students, making them ideal for revival through private involvement. Under this model, a portion of seats would be allocated to government-quota students, while the rest would be managed independently.
Integrating Technology and Innovation
Beyond structural reforms, technology plays a crucial role in enhancing student learning. Mehta highlights the importance of AI-driven tools for personalized education. AI can help track student progress, identify areas needing improvement, and assist teachers in delivering better instruction.
However, he cautions against excessive additions to the curriculum. Instead of introducing new subjects, he suggests integrating skills such as financial literacy into mathematics and environmental awareness into science.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
One of India’s biggest education challenges is the lack of quality higher education institutions, leading to intense competition for seats in top colleges. Mehta advocates for increasing the number of seats in premier institutes and expanding liberal arts education to provide students with more diverse career opportunities.
Furthermore, the National Curriculum Framework’s move to reduce content is a step in the right direction. According to Mehta, allowing students to focus on mastery rather than rote learning is essential for long-term educational success.
LEAD’s Growth and Future Plans
LEAD is expanding its reach, aiming to increase its school network from 8,000 to 10,000 this year and 12,500 next year. The company is also focusing on deeper engagement with existing schools, introducing AI-powered tools, and transitioning to holistic progress cards.
Sustainability remains a priority. While many edtech companies have struggled post-pandemic, LEAD continues to maintain profitability with steady 20-30% annual growth. Mehta asserts that funding should drive growth rather than serve as a survival mechanism. LEAD aims to achieve EBITDA break-even in FY25 and become fully profitable by FY26.
The Road Ahead
Mehta remains optimistic about the role of public-private partnerships in transforming India’s education system. With careful implementation, strict accountability, and the right technology interventions, such partnerships can create sustainable improvements in student learning outcomes.
India’s K-12 education system requires a long-term approach, and public-private collaboration may be the key to bridging learning gaps and ensuring a better future for students across the country.
