The RightWalk Foundation
Making social policies work for people who need them most

How It All Began
RightWalk was founded with a bold vision—to break the cycle of generational poverty, dismantle deep-rooted inequalities, and empower vulnerable families toward a future of dignity and opportunity.
From the very start, we focused on tackling the root causes of socio-economic disparity. We chose social policy as our most powerful tool to create real, lasting change.
Our journey began by unlocking the Right to Education Act (RTE) Section 12.1.(c) in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring access to free, quality education for children from marginalized communities. But we knew education alone wasn’t enough.
To create true socio-economic mobility, we expanded into livelihoods—connecting disadvantaged youth to apprenticeship opportunities, and healthcare—ensuring early detection and intervention for at-risk children.
Today, we drive policy-to-impact transformations that uplift millions, proving that when policies truly work for people, lives change forever.

Our Journey
RightWalk Foundation’s journey from teaching in a slum in Uttar Pradesh
to generating impact across India
Launched Flagship Program - RTE 12.1.(c)
Only
Faced initial resistance from private school lobbies but remained committed to inclusion
Historic Supreme Court Win
Secured a
Enabled
Partnered with the
Founder, Samina Bano, honored as an
Policy Breakthrough on Financial Aid
Advocacy led to
Organised a
Trained
RTE Goes Digital
Developed an
Removed bureaucratic barriers, simplifying RTE access for millions of children.
Successfully advocated for
Key Policy Amendments
Secured an
Led
Founder,
RTE Roundtable and Financial Inclusion
Facilitated the
Strengthened
Enhanced the
Expanding Impact During the Pandemic
Repurposed the
Distributed
Hosted an
Pioneering Apprenticeship in UP
Designed and launched
Contributed to pandemic relief by donating
Upgraded RTE portal with school registration, financial aid tracking, and digital disbursements.
RTE reaches Gujarat and EPinc Launch
Won the
Initiated
Introduced
Designed and implemented the UP Chief Minister Fellowship Program for emerging policy leaders
Scaling Apprenticeship in Maharashtra and Kerala
Expanded the
Strengthened partnerships with
Launched
Founder, Samina Bano honored as a
Strengthening Partnerships and Global Recognition
Signed an
Scaled impact across
Selected for
Way Forward
We are now entering the
Our Presence
RightWalk was founded with a bold vision—to break the cycle of generational poverty, dismantle systemic inequalities, and steer families towards a future of sustainable living. Through strategic interventions in education, livelihoods, and now healthcare, we activate social policies to create real, lasting impact.
Uttar Pradesh | Where It All Began
Uttar Pradesh, our longest-operating state since 2014, remains the
Uttar Pradesh | Where It All Began
Uttar Pradesh, our longest-operating state since 2014, remains the
foundation of our mission. Here, we have pioneered RTE 12.1.(c), ensuring marginalized children access quality education, introduced the RTE Scholar Fund to support talented students beyond Class 8, and launched the Apprenticeship Program to equip youth with hands-on industry experience. Additionally, our AI-driven EPInc program enhances early-grade learning, fostering peer-based knowledge sharing in classrooms.
Maharashtra | Scaling Livelihood & AI in Education
Since 2023, we have strengthened Maharashtra’s workforce by
Maharashtra | Scaling Livelihood & AI in Education
Since 2023, we have strengthened Maharashtra’s workforce by
implementing the apprenticeship Program as the state government’s PMU, ensuring structured skill-building opportunities for youth. Simultaneously, our AI-driven EPInc platform is transforming early-grade learning, bridging educational gaps through peer-assisted learning.
Gujarat | Expanding into Education, Livelihood & Healthcare
Gujarat has been a key part of our mission since 2022, where we
Gujarat | Expanding into Education, Livelihood & Healthcare
Gujarat has been a key part of our mission since 2022, where we
are driving access to quality education through RTE 12.1.(c), strengthening youth employment through the Apprenticeship Program, and revolutionizing classrooms with EPInc. Additionally, we are expanding into healthcare with the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Yojana, ensuring early detection and timely medical interventions for children from underserved communities.
Kerala | Building Sustainable Livelihood Pathways
In 2023, we began shaping youth employment pathways in Kerala
Kerala | Building Sustainable Livelihood Pathways
In 2023, we began shaping youth employment pathways in Kerala
through the Apprenticeship Program, working closely with the state government. As the PMU, we are ensuring policy-driven, structured apprenticeship opportunities, fostering long-term career success for young individuals entering the workforce.
West Bengal | Transforming Education through AI
Our work in West Bengal is focused on educational innovation through
West Bengal | Transforming Education through AI
Our work in West Bengal is focused on educational innovation through
EPInc, an AI-powered peer-learning platform reaching 6,000+ students across 15 schools. By leveraging peer-assisted learning, EPInc empowers lower-achieving students with confidence and high-achieving students with leadership skills, creating more inclusive and engaging classrooms.

Our Founding Team
Samina Bano, a techie-turned-policy entrepreneur with 18 years of diverse experience across technology, consulting, and social impact. She began her career in the semiconductor industry, moved to management consulting in the U.S., and then took a bold leap into the development sector, where she has spent the last 12 years making policies work for people at scale.
As the Founder & CEO of RightWalk Foundation, Samina has pioneered education, apprenticeship, and healthcare reforms, impacting millions. She spearheaded the implementation of RTE 12.1.(c) in Uttar Pradesh, led policy-driven workforce initiatives, and is now expanding into healthcare access for vulnerable children. A Chevening, Mulago, Acumen, and Ashoka Fellow, she is also a Distinguished Alumna of IIM Bangalore. Her work has been recognized globally with honors like the Women Transforming India (WTI) Award by NITI Aayog and the UN, the Kalam E-Governance Award, and the Goalkeepers by the Gates Foundation.
Samina is known for making bureaucracy move, policies work, and impact scale—all while keeping her sharp wit and humor intact. Samina believes big change needs bold action (and a good sense of humour)
Samina Bano
Founder and CEO
Meet Shipra Srivastava, a dynamic leader whose journey from Gorakhpur’s modest beginnings to the forefront of social change exemplifies determination and grassroots insight. As one of the first women in her family to pursue a professional career, Shipra earned her BSc and B.Ed degrees, followed by an MBA with a gold medal, showcasing her commitment to excellence.
With over 16 years in the development sector, Shipra joined RightWalk eight years ago and has been instrumental in its growth, acting with unwavering ownership and passion. Her leadership has been pivotal in implementing the Right to Education Act (RTE) 12.1.(c) in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
Shipra’s story is a testament to the power of grassroots leadership in driving meaningful change. She embodies the belief that true transformation arises from passion, courage, and an intimate understanding of ground realities. Her journey underscores that impactful leaders are often homegrown, nurtured by their communities and experiences.
Shipra Srivastava
Co-Founder and Group Director