- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)
The Scheme of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) was launched in 2001. The goals of SSA are as follows : (i) All 6-14 age children in school/EGS (Education Guarantee Scheme) centre/Bridge Course by 2005. (ii) Bridge all gender and social category gaps at primary stage by 2007 and at elementary education level by 2010. (iii) Universal retention by 2010. (iv) Focus on elementary education of satisfactory quality with emphasis on education for life.
The assistance under the programme of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan was on a 85:15 sharing arrangement during the Ninth Plan, 75:25 sharing arrangement during the Tenth Plan, and 50:50 sharing thereafter between the Central Government and the State Government.
The programme covers the entire country with special focus on educational needs of girls, SCs/STs and other children in difficult circumstances. The programme seeks to open new schools in those places which do not have schooling facilities and strengthen existing school infrastructure through provision of additional class rooms, toilets, drinking water, maintenance grant and school improvement grant. SSA has a special focus on girls and children of weaker sections. A number of initiatives, including distribution of free textbooks, target these children under the programme. The SSA also seeks to provide computer education even in the rural areas.
During 2005-06, the SSA approved 35306 new schools, appointment of 156610 new teachers, construction of 34262 school buildings, 141886 additional class rooms, construction of 65771 toilets and provision of drinking water for 40760 schools, free textbooks for 6.12 crore children and annual in-service training to 3252785 teachers for all 600 districts. A sum of Rs 7527.23 crore (upto March 2006) was released by Central Government to the States/UTs.
URL – http://www.india.gov.in/sectors/education/education2.php#2