The government education system continues to be a critical player in education provision, especially to children from less privileged backgrounds. However, the quality of education and the attitudes of its providers are not always congenial to the academic or personal growth and development of children. The quality of government schools varies widely, often depending on the strength of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or an individual teacher/principal. At times families pay for additional tuitions outside of regular school hours to ensure that their children are actually learning and are able to clear examinations.

Muskaan works in 19 urban and 15 rural government schools introducing holistic interactive learning. The Muskaan government school team demonstrates that positive interactions between teachers and children makes learning a more enjoyable experience. The work includes regular support in classroom activities, creative workshops with children and annual picnics. Additionally, discussion forums are held where teachers are encouraged to engage in dialogue on education in order to motivate them to think about their work in a pro-active manner. Periodically organized teachers trainings are also geared towards building teachers responsibility for student learning. For the teachers, this is often a unique experience because it provides space to question their own attitudes towards children and parents of a lower economic status, classroom punishment, theoretical concepts of education and also practical use and development of learning materials.

The organisation strives to create a positive, nonhierarchical environment between teachers and students, creating an environment where they feel more free and become more expressive. Changing deeply rooted traditions takes much effort and inspires many questions and doubts. Some teachers do manage to modify their methods, switching to child-friendly learning and "leaving their punishment stick behind".

The team also works with parents to stress the importance of their involvement in the child's education, reaffirming their role as critical stakeholders in influencing the education system. This is achieved through building an active PTA for parents to demand quality education, and put pressure on the teachers to teach in a more engaging way.

Often, these initiatives are not enough to bring about a sustainable change in the government’s response towards the educational needs of the children from deprived and marginalized communities. To create a wider reach Muskaan is also making efforts towards institutionally strengthening cluster resource centers and community voices.