RightWalk Foundation

RightWalk Foundation is a policy action nonprofit based in New Delhi that works to reduce poverty and inequality by turning existing government policies into real-world outcomes for underserved communities. Founded and led by Samina Bano, an Ashoka Fellow and Acumen Fellow, RightWalk works across education, livelihoods, and health by embedding itself in government systems and activating policies that already exist but remain underutilised. The organisation currently operates across 5 Indian states and has improved 1.3 million lives while unlocking over $500 million in public and market funds. RightWalk's core argument is that social policy, when properly implemented, can turn every dollar of aid into a hundred dollars of welfare for those who need it most.

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Headquarters: New Delhi Sectors: Education, Livelihoods, Health, Public Policy, AI for Social Good

What They Do RightWalk works end-to-end on policy: from co-designing it with governments to building systems for implementation, monitoring delivery, ensuring funds are properly allocated and spent, and iterating based on outcomes on the ground.

• Education

RightWalk's primary education focus is on Section 12.1.(c) of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which mandates that 25% of seats in private schools be reserved for children from economically weaker sections and disadvantaged groups, with the government reimbursing schools directly. RightWalk has been the driving force behind the implementation of this provision in Uttar Pradesh, growing admissions from 54 children in 2013 to 1.85 lakh in 2025. Related programmes include EPInc, a national platform for managing RTE admissions and school reimbursements; RTE Scholars Funds, which supports students to continue beyond Grade 8 once the RTE provision ends; and Fable, a reading programme for RTE scholars.

• Livelihoods

RightWalk's apprenticeship programme activates government-subsidised apprenticeship and internship schemes to connect young people with structured employment and skilling opportunities. The programme works with businesses to onboard apprentices and helps youth build sustainable careers. It currently operates in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh, among other states.

• Health

RightWalk is in the process of launching a new health policy programme, identified through their framework for evaluating high-impact government policies.

• CitizenAI

RightWalk has built a CitizenAI initiative that uses artificial intelligence to help citizens access government schemes and entitlements. Chatur AI is a WhatsApp-based AI assistant that helps users navigate welfare programmes, check eligibility, and get information in local languages. RightWalk has also published CitizenAI Principles, a framework for responsible AI use in social sector contexts, and is building a CitizenAI Alliance with organisations working in this space.

Impact 1.3 million lives improved across education and livelihoods. Over $500 million in public and market funds unlocked. 1.85 lakh children admitted to private schools through RTE in UP. Recognised by Mulago Foundation, Ashoka, Acumen, and IIM Bangalore, among others. RightWalk is a good fit for people with backgrounds in public policy, education, livelihoods, technology, data, or communications who want to work at the intersection of government systems and direct impact in India.