Government schemes: SSA, RTE, NEP 2020

1. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)

1. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) was launched in 2001 as a flagship program to achieve Universal Elementary Education (UEE).
2. The program aims to provide free and compulsory education to children aged 6-14 years.
3. Focuses on reducing gender disparity in education and promoting the education of girls.
4. Improves infrastructure by building schools, classrooms, and toilets.
5. Encourages teacher training to enhance teaching quality.
6. Promotes inclusive education for children with disabilities.
7. Implemented under the framework of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.
8. SSA was subsumed under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan in 2018 to integrate it with secondary education.

2. Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009

1. The RTE Act was enacted to ensure the implementation of Article 21A of the Indian Constitution.
2. Mandates free and compulsory education for all children aged 6-14 years.
3. Stipulates that no child shall be denied admission due to lack of documents or prior education.
4. Ensures that private schools reserve 25% of seats for economically weaker sections (EWS).
5. Prohibits practices such as capitation fees, screening tests, and physical punishment.
6. Focuses on teacher-student ratios, infrastructure development, and learning outcomes.
7. Empowers parents through School Management Committees (SMCs).
8. The act has significantly contributed to reducing the dropout rate in schools.

3. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

1. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to transform India’s education system by 2040.
2. Proposes a shift from the 10+2 system to a 5+3+3+4 structure covering ages 3-18 years.
3. Emphasizes early childhood care and education (ECCE).
4. Promotes multilingual education, with a focus on mother tongue/regional language as the medium of instruction.
5. Aims to achieve a gross enrollment ratio (GER) of 100% by 2030.
6. Focuses on skill development and vocational training starting from Class 6.
7. Integrates technology into teaching and learning through digital platforms.
8. Establishes a National Assessment Centre called PARAKH for standard-setting and evaluation.
9. Strengthens teacher training and professional development.
10. Advocates for holistic and multidisciplinary education at higher levels.
11. Encourages the establishment of HECI (Higher Education Commission of India) as a single regulator for higher education.
12. Focuses on inclusive education for disadvantaged and differently-abled groups.
13. Emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and experiential learning.

Key Contributions

1. The combined efforts of SSA, RTE, and NEP 2020 aim to ensure quality education for all.
2. These schemes address challenges like dropout rates, gender inequality, and low learning outcomes.
3. Focus on leveraging technology to bridge gaps in access and quality of education.
4. Promote sustainable development through education by aligning with the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).