The first decade of 21st century is characterized by a profound transformation in Indian economy. Communication technology has opened the four walled office operations with
systems like World Wide Web forging global connections. Affordable user friendly office technology has made it possible for organisations and communities to flourish in the new
economy, in a professional and cost effective manner.
Does education at the school level fit into this workplace revolution? The advent of globalisation offers rethinking about the selection and delivery of instructional content and integration of new sources of information in order to develop competence with knowledge. The answer lies in integrating basic skills across the school curriculum. There are certain core attributes such as thinking creatively, self belief, initiative and positive attitude towards work which should be fostered among children encouraging them to make unique, innovative and creative contribution in the world of work, whether in employment or self employment.
The paper deals with exploring and institutionalising the pedagogic role of entrepreneurship in education for all children irrespective of their economic, social or cultural background in the context of building a truly national system of education.
Section I seeks to provide a perspective on the recommendations of various educational committees set up by Government of India for placing ‘productive work’ at the heart of
education, particularly the school education, since the Gandhian proposal of Nai Talim at The National Education Conference in 1937 to National Curriculum Framework (NCERT)– 2005.
Section II deals with the study of growth and expansion of entrepreneurship in India. The Global Monitor Report (GEM), India – 2002, has established benchmarks in respect of
contribution made by education to the levels of entrepreneurship.
Finally, it discusses the key challenges for appropriate skilled pedagogy which is perhaps more than lesson content in securing the degree of integration of entrepreneurship across all subject areas taught in the school.