What are the salient features of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan launched by the Government of India?

Back to: Contemporary India and Education – Unit 4

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is a flagship program started by the government of India in 2001. It was developed to achieve the Universalisation of Elementary Education (UEE). The provision of legal backing for SSA occurred when the Indian Constitution under Article 21 A, made free and compulsory education for the children in the age group of 6-14 a fundamental right in. In a time-bound manner, SSA aims to fulfill the objectives of this fundamental right. It is anchored by The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India (GoI) and has been operational since 2000-2001.

The main features of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan launched by the Government of India are as follows:

Increase National Productivity

Universalization of education leads to the literacy of more citizens which fosters the productivity of the nation.

Establishment of Institutions

It facilitated the opening and construction of new educational institutions in those areas where there are no schooling facilities or a lack of the same.

Spread Mass Literacy

Literacy is the basic criteria of economic development and universalization of education will facilitate mass literacy.

Improve Infrastructure and Facilities

It recommended the strengthening and improvement of the existing infrastructure of the schools. It sought to facilitate alternative schooling facilities and opportunities. It aimed to provide facilities such as additional classrooms, toilets, drinking water, and more in the schools.

Facilitate Equality

Through the universalization of education, the equality of all citizens can be fostered.

Increase Competence

The competence of the average worker is increased through the universalization of education.

Foster National Development

Education is a must for a country to develop and thrive and through the universalization of education, more citizens can be educated.

Ensure Effective Democratic Functioning

India is a democratic country and when everyone receives equal education opportunities, the democratic institution can function effectively.

Foster Opportunity

Through the universalization of education, more citizens can gain opportunities and develop efficiently.

Adequate Resources

It aimed to maintain the improvement grants of the school and provide free learning material such as textbooks, uniforms, and more to the children.

Eliminate Shortage Of Teachers

It aimed to eliminate the shortage of teachers by increasing their strength with the appointment of new teachers.

SSA hopes to enable children to be able to communicate effectively and make informed decisions so that they can adapt to the various changes taking place in the world. The main areas of focus of SSA are universal access, universal enrolment, universal retention, high-quality elementary education that is free and compulsory for all children.