Status & Challenges of Samagra Shiksha 2023

The Ministry of Human Resource Development which is now renamed as the Ministry of Education, formerly known as the, has been implementing various centrally sponsored schemes for the improvement of education in India. One such scheme is the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. This section provide an overview of Samagra Shiksha and the previous centrally sponsored schemes of the Ministry of Education and MHRD.

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, launched in 2018, is an integrated scheme for school education aimed at improving the quality of education from preschool to senior secondary levels. Samagra Shiksha  aims for inclusive & equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The Samagra Shiksha scheme has a total outlay of Rs 75,000 crore (1 Crore = 10 million)for the period of 2018-19 to 2021-22.

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan Current Status, Logo, Portal & Schemes 2023

The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is a merger of three earlier schemes – Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Teacher Education (TE) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), – into one comprehensive scheme. The SSA was launched in 2001 to provide universal elementary education to all children in the age group of 6-14 years. RMSA was launched in 2009 to improve access to and quality of secondary education. TE was launched in 2010 to improve the quality of teacher education.

Before the launch of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, the Ministry of Education and MHRD had implemented various other centrally sponsored schemes for the development of education in India. Some of the major schemes are discussed below:

  • Another programme the National Programme for Education of Girls at Elementary Level as was launched in 2008 to address the gender gap in elementary education. The scheme aimed to provide access to education for girls from disadvantaged groups, such as scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and minorities.
  • Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) – This scheme was launched in 1995 to improve the nutritional status of children in government schools and to encourage enrollment, attendance, and retention in schools. The scheme provides cooked meals to children studying in classes 1-8 in all government and aided schools.
  • Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage – This scheme was launched in 2009 to provide educational opportunities to children with disabilities in the age group of 14-18 years. The scheme provides financial assistance for the purchase of aids and appliances, support services, and teaching-learning materials.
  • Scheme for Providing Quality Education in Madrasas was launched in 2009 to provide quality education to children studying in madrasas. The scheme aims to improve quality of education in madrasas by providing them with infrastructure, teaching-learning materials, and teacher training.
  • National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) – This scheme was launched in 2008 to provide scholarships to economically weaker students studying in classes 9-12. The scheme aims to encourage students to continue their education and reduce the dropout rate.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Education and MHRD has been implementing various centrally sponsored schemes to improve the quality of education in India. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, a comprehensive scheme launched in 2018, aims to provide inclusive and equitable quality education from preschool to senior secondary levels. Previous schemes like NPEGEL, MDMS, IEDSS, SPQEM, and NMMSS have also played a significant role in improving access and quality of education in India.

What are the objectives of Samagra Shiksha?

The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan has several objectives aimed at improving the quality of education from preschool to senior secondary levels. Some of the main objectives of Samagra Shiksha are:

  1. Ensuring access and retention of children in schools: Samagra Shiksha aims to provide access to education for all children and ensure that they continue their education through retention strategies.
  2. Enhancing the quality of education: The scheme aims to enhance the quality of education by improving the quality of teaching, curriculum, and learning materials.
  3. Promoting equity: Samagra Shiksha aims to provide equitable access to education, especially for disadvantaged groups such as girls, children with special needs, and children from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
  4. Ensuring inclusive education: The scheme aims to provide inclusive education by addressing the diverse learning needs of all children and promoting a barrier-free environment in schools.
  5. Bridging gender and social category gaps: Samagra Shiksha aims to bridge gender and social category gaps in education by providing incentives for girls’ education, promoting inclusive education in case of children with special needs, and improving the education of children from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
  6. Strengthening teacher education and professional development: The scheme aims to strengthen teacher education and professional development by providing training and support to teachers.
  7. Providing technical support and interventions for improving learning outcomes: Samagra Shiksha aims to provide technical support and interventions for improving learning outcomes, such as remedial teaching, the use of ICT, and vocational education.

In summary, the main objectives of Samagra Shiksha are to ensure access, retention, equity, and quality of education, promote inclusive education, bridge gender and social category gaps, strengthen teacher education, and provide technical support for improving learning outcomes.

What are the targets of Samagra Shiksha & how are they fixed?

The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan has several targets to achieve its objectives. The targets are fixed based on the priorities and needs of different states and union territories. Here are the seven targets of Samagra Shiksha:

  1. Universal Access: The first target is to ensure universal access to education from preschool to senior secondary level. This includes providing access to education for children who are out of school, especially girls, children with special needs, and children from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
  2. Equity: The second target is to ensure equity in education by bridging gender and social category gaps and providing equal opportunities for all children to access education.
  3. Quality: The third target is to improve the quality of education by enhancing the quality of teaching, curriculum, and learning materials.
  4. Inclusive Education: The fourth target is to ensure inclusive education, including children those with special needs. This includes promoting barrier-free access to education and addressing the diverse learning needs of all children.
  5. Digital Education: The fifth target is to promote the use of digital technology in education to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. This includes providing access to digital learning materials and promoting the use of ICT in teaching.
  6. Vocational Education: The sixth target is to provide vocational education and training to enhance the employability of students.
  7. Strengthening of Teacher Education: The seventh target is to strengthen teacher education and professional development by providing training and support to teachers.

The targets of Samagra Shiksha are fixed based on the needs and priorities of different states and union territories. The targets are determined through consultations with state governments and other stakeholders, taking into account the existing gaps and challenges in education. The targets are reviewed periodically to assess the progress and make necessary modifications to achieve the desired outcomes.

What is the planning process that is being followed by Samagra Shiksha?

The planning process followed by Samagra Shiksha is a comprehensive and participatory process that involves multiple stakeholders, including state governments, district authorities, schools, teachers, parents, and civil society organizations. The planning process is designed to ensure that the objectives and targets of the scheme are aligned with the needs and priorities of different states and union territories. Here is an overview of the planning process followed by Samagra Shiksha:

  1. Need Assessment: The first step in the planning process is to conduct a need assessment to identify the gaps and challenges in education in different states and union territories. The need assessment is based on various indicators, such as enrolment rates, dropout rates, learning outcomes, and infrastructure.
  2. Preparation of State Plans: Based on the need assessment, each state and union territory prepares a state plan that outlines the strategies, activities, and targets for achieving the objectives of Samagra Shiksha. The state plan is prepared in consultation with different stakeholders, including district authorities, schools, teachers, parents, and civil society organizations.
  3. Resource Allocation: After the state plans are prepared, the Ministry of Education allocates resources to different states and union territories based on the proposed activities and targets. The resource allocation is based on a formula that considers various factors, such as the population of children in the age group of 6-17 years, the number of schools, and the quality of education.
  4. Implementation: The state governments and district authorities are responsible for implementing the activities and strategies outlined in the state plan. The implementation is monitored and evaluated by the Ministry of Education through various mechanisms, such as performance indicators, regular inspections, and independent evaluations.
  5. Review and Modification: The implementation of Samagra Shiksha is periodically reviewed to assess the progress and make necessary modifications to achieve the desired outcomes. The review process involves consultations with different stakeholders, including state governments, district authorities, schools, teachers, parents, and civil society organizations.

In summary, the planning process followed by Samagra Shiksha is a participatory process that involves multiple stakeholders and is designed to ensure that the objectives and targets of the scheme are aligned with the needs and priorities of different states and union territories. The process is periodically reviewed to assess the progress and make necessary modifications to achieve the desired outcomes.

Are these planning processes of Samagra Shiksha being followed strictly?

The planning process outlined in my previous response is based on the official guidelines and framework provided by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, for the implementation of Samagra Shiksha. The framework emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and participatory planning process that involves multiple stakeholders and is aligned with the needs and priorities of different states and union territories.

The planning process is expected to be followed by all states and union territories, with modifications as per their specific needs and challenges. The Ministry of Education regularly monitors the implementation of Samagra Shiksha through various mechanisms, such as performance indicators, regular inspections, and independent evaluations. This helps to ensure that the planning process is being followed and the scheme is achieving its objectives.

However, it’s important to note that the success of Samagra Shiksha depends not only on the planning process but also on the effective implementation of the planned activities and strategies. The involvement and participation of all stakeholders, including state governments, district authorities, schools, teachers, parents, and civil society organizations, are critical for the successful implementation of the scheme.

What are annual plans, and how are they being developed under Samagra Shiksha?

Under Samagra Shiksha, annual plans are developed by state governments and union territories to ensure effective implementation of the scheme. These annual plans are prepared based on the state plans and are designed to achieve the targets set for the year. Here’s how annual plans are developed under Samagra Shiksha:

  • Planning Process: The development of annual plans under Samagra Shiksha follows the same planning process as the state plans. This involves a comprehensive and participatory process that involves multiple stakeholders, including state governments, district authorities, schools, teachers, parents, and civil society organizations.
  • Resource Allocation: After the annual plans are prepared, the Ministry of Education allocates resources to different states and union territories based on the proposed activities and targets. The resource allocation is based on a formula that takes into account factors, such as the population of children in the age group of 6-17 years, the number of schools, and the quality of education.
  • Implementation: The state governments and district authorities are responsible for implementing the activities and strategies outlined in the annual plans. The implementation is monitored and evaluated by the Ministry of Education through various mechanisms, such as performance indicators, regular inspections, and independent evaluations.
  • Review and Modification: The implementation of annual plans is periodically reviewed to assess the progress and make necessary modifications to achieve the desired outcomes. The review process involves consultations with different stakeholders, including state governments, district authorities, schools, teachers, parents, and civil society organizations.
  • Reporting: The state governments and union territories are required to submit regular reports to the Ministry of Education on the progress of the implementation of the annual plans. These reports include information on the achievements and challenges faced in implementing the planned activities and strategies.

In summary, annual plans under Samagra Shiksha are developed by state governments and union territories to ensure effective implementation of the scheme. The plans are prepared based on the state plans and are designed to achieve the targets set for the year. The implementation of the plans is monitored and evaluated by the Ministry of Education through various mechanisms, and regular reporting is required from the state governments and union territories.

What are the key indicators through which Samagra Shiksha is monitored?

Samagra Shiksha is monitored through a comprehensive set of indicators that are designed to assess the progress and impact of the scheme. These indicators cover various aspects of education, such as access, equity, quality, infrastructure, and outcomes. Here are some of the key indicators through which Samagra Shiksha is monitored:

  1. Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER): This indicator measures the number of students enrolled in school at different levels as a percentage of the total population in the relevant age group.
  2. Net Enrollment Ratio (NER): This indicator measures the number of students enrolled in school at different levels, adjusted for age, as a percentage of the total population in the relevant age group.
  3. Gender Parity Index (GPI): This indicator measures the ratio of female to male enrollment at different levels of education.
  4. Dropout Rate: This indicator measures the percentage of students who drop out of school at different levels of education.
  5. Teacher-Pupil Ratio (TPR): This indicator measures the number of teachers available for every 100 students at different levels of education.
  6. Student-Classroom Ratio (SCR): This indicator measures the number of students accommodated in a classroom, on average, at different levels of education.
  7. Learning Outcomes: This indicator measures the level of knowledge and skills acquired by students at different levels of education through assessments and evaluations.
  8. Infrastructure: This indicator measures the availability and adequacy of physical infrastructure, such as classrooms, toilets, drinking water facilities, and libraries, at different levels of education.
  9. Equity: This indicator measures the extent to which different social groups, such as SCs, STs, OBCs, and girls, are represented in the school system and have access to education.
  10. Community Participation: This indicator measures the extent to which parents, communities, and civil society organizations are involved in the management and monitoring of schools and education programs.

These indicators are used by the Ministry of Education to monitor the progress of Samagra Shiksha and assess the impact of the scheme. The monitoring process involves regular inspections, independent evaluations, and data analysis, and the findings are used to inform policy decisions and program interventions. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all children in India have access to quality education and the opportunity to realize their full potential.

What is the process of approval of Samagra Shiksha’s annual plans?

The annual plans developed by state governments and union territories under Samagra Shiksha are approved by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Here’s how the process works:

  1. Submission of Annual Plan: The state governments and union territories are required to prepare annual plans based on their state plans and submit them to the Ministry of Education.
  2. Review by State Project Directorate: The State Project Directorate (SPD) responsible for implementing Samagra Shiksha in each state reviews the annual plan submitted by the state government or union territory to ensure that it is aligned with the objectives and targets of the scheme.
  3. Review by Regional Office: The annual plan is then reviewed by the Regional Office of the Ministry of Education, which is responsible for coordinating and monitoring the implementation of Samagra Shiksha in the region.
  4. Review by National Mission Team: The National Mission Team (NMT) of the Ministry of Education then reviews the annual plan to ensure that it is consistent with the overall objectives and targets of Samagra Shiksha.
  5. Approval by Empowered Committee: The Empowered Committee on Samagra Shiksha, which is chaired by the Secretary of Education, Government of India, reviews the annual plan and approves it based on the recommendations of the NMT.
  6. Allocation of Funds: Once the annual plan is approved, the Ministry of Education allocates funds to the state governments and union territories based on the proposed activities and targets.
  7. Implementation: The state governments and union territories are then responsible for implementing the activities and strategies outlined in the annual plan, and the implementation is monitored and evaluated by the Ministry of Education through various mechanisms.

In summary, the annual plans developed by state governments and union territories under Samagra Shiksha are approved by the Ministry of Education through a comprehensive review process that involves multiple levels of scrutiny. The approval process ensures that the annual plans are aligned with the objectives and targets of the scheme and that the proposed activities and strategies are appropriate and feasible.

What is Samagra Shiksha Project Approval Board?

The Samagra Shiksha Project Approval Board (SSPAB) is a high-level committee that is responsible for approving new projects and proposals related to Samagra Shiksha. The SSPAB is chaired by the Secretary of Education, Government of India, and comprises senior officials from the Ministry of Education, representatives from state governments, and experts from relevant fields.

The main functions of the SS-PAB are as follows:

  1. Approving Annual Plans: The SS-PAB approves the annual plans submitted by state governments and union territories, which outline the proposed activities and targets for Samagra Shiksha in the respective states.
  2. Approving New Projects: The SS-PAB reviews and approves new projects and proposals related to Samagra Shiksha, such as new schemes for improving learning outcomes, infrastructure development, teacher training, and community mobilization.
  3. Allocating Funds: The SS-PAB allocates funds to state governments and union territories based on the approved annual plans and projects.
  4. Monitoring Implementation: The SS-PAB monitors the implementation of Samagra Shiksha at the national and state levels and provides guidance and support to state governments and union territories as needed.
  5. Reviewing Progress: The SS-PAB reviews the progress of Samagra Shiksha periodically and makes necessary adjustments to the strategy and activities based on the feedback received from the field.

In summary, the Samagra Shiksha Project Approval Board is a key decision-making body that plays a critical role in ensuring the successful implementation of Samagra Shiksha. The SS-PAB provides guidance and support to state governments and union territories, allocates funds, approves new projects, and monitors progress to ensure that the objectives and targets of the scheme are achieved.

How rigorous is Samagra Shiksha’s annual plan formulation?

The formulation of the Samagra Shiksha annual plan is a rigorous and comprehensive process that involves multiple stakeholders and takes into account the specific needs and priorities of each state or union territory.

The annual plan is developed through a participatory approach that involves consultations with various stakeholders, including teachers, school administrators, education experts, and community members. The planning process is designed to be inclusive and transparent, with a focus on identifying and addressing the most pressing challenges facing the education sector.

The annual plan is based on a detailed analysis of the education sector in each state or union territory, including an assessment of the infrastructure, enrolment rates, quality of education, and other key indicators. The plan also takes into account the goals and objectives of the Samagra Shiksha scheme, as well as any specific targets set by the central government.

Once the annual plan is developed, it undergoes a rigorous review process to ensure that the same is aligned with the goals and objectives of Samagra Shiksha and that it is feasible and realistic in terms of implementation. The plan is reviewed by various committees and stakeholders, including the Samagra Shiksha Project Approval Board (SSPAB), before being approved and implemented.

Overall, the process of developing the Samagra Shiksha annual plan is designed to be rigorous and comprehensive, with a focus on ensuring that the plan is evidence-based, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of each state or union territory. The emphasis on stakeholder consultation and participation helps to ensure that the plan reflects the priorities and aspirations of those who are directly impacted by the education sector.

What is the status of Samagra Shiksha since implementation?

The Samagra Shiksha scheme was launched in 2018 as an integrated program to improve the quality of school education across India. Since its implementation, the scheme has made significant progress toward achieving its objectives and improving the education sector in the country.

Some of the notable achievements of Samagra Shiksha include:

  1. Increased enrolment: The scheme has contributed to an increase in enrolment rates across primary, upper primary, and secondary schools in India. The enrolment rate for primary schools increased from 93.9% in 2017-18 to 94.3% in 2018-19, while the enrolment rate for upper primary schools increased from 82.7% to 84.1% during the same period.
  2. Improved infrastructure: The scheme has helped to improve the infrastructure of schools across India, with a particular focus on providing basic facilities such as toilets, drinking water, and playgrounds. As of March 2020, more than 4 lakh schools had been provided with toilets, while more than 3.6 lakh schools had been provided with drinking water facilities.
  3. Enhanced teacher training: The scheme has focused on improving the quality of education by providing training and support to teachers across India. As of March 2020, more than 11 lakh teachers had been trained under the scheme, with a particular emphasis on capacity building in areas such as digital literacy, inclusive education, and early-grade reading.
  4. Increased gender parity: The scheme has contributed to an improvement in gender parity in education, with a particular focus on ensuring that girls have equal access to education. The gender parity index (GPI) for primary and upper primary schools increased from 0.94 in 2017-18 to 0.95 in 2018-19, indicating a narrowing of the gender gap.

Overall, the implementation of the Samagra Shiksha scheme has had a positive impact on education sector in India. Still a long way to go to achieve universal access to quality education, the scheme has helped to lay the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable education system.

What are the challenges for the Samagra Shiksha?

Despite the progress made by Samagra Shiksha toward improving the education sector in India, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed. Some of these challenges include:

  1. Quality of education: While the scheme has focused on increasing enrolment rates & improving infrastructure, there is still a need to improve the quality of education in schools across India. This includes improving teaching methods, curriculum design, and assessment practices, as well as ensuring that students have access to high-quality learning materials and resources.
  2. Inadequate funding: One of the biggest challenges facing the education sector in India is the lack of adequate funding. While the government has increased spending on education, there is still a need for more investment to ensure that schools have necessary resources they need to provide quality education.
  3. Inequitable access: Despite efforts to improve access to education, there are still significant disparities in enrolment rates and learning outcomes between different regions, socio-economic groups, and gender. Addressing these inequities requires a more targeted approach, with a focus on providing support to marginalized communities and ensuring that all students have equal access to educational opportunities.
  4. Teacher shortage: There is a shortage of trained and qualified teachers in many parts of India, particularly in rural areas. This shortage makes it difficult to provide quality education to all students and highlights the need for more investment in teacher training and recruitment.
  5. Out-of-school children: Despite efforts to increase enrolment rates, there are still millions of children in India who are out of school. This includes children who are forced to work to support their families, as well as those who face barriers to accessing education due to poverty, disability, or other factors. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-pronged approach, including measures to address poverty and social exclusion, as well as targeted interventions to support vulnerable children and their families.

Overall, while Samagra Shiksha has made significant progress toward improving the education sector in India, still there are significant challenges that is required to be addressed to ensure that all children have access to quality education.

State Performance

It is difficult to categorize states as advanced or underdeveloped/challenging in the context of Samagra Shiksha because the scheme is aimed at improving the education sector across all states in India, regardless of their level of development. However, some states have made more progress than others in terms of achieving the targets set under the scheme.

According to the Ministry of Education, Government of India, the performance of states under Samagra Shiksha is evaluated on the basis of key indicators such as enrolment rates, infrastructure development, learning outcomes, and teacher training, among others. Based on these indicators, the following states have been identified as “better-performing states” under Samagra Shiksha:

  1. Kerala
  2. Tamil Nadu
  3. Haryana
  4. Punjab
  5. Himachal Pradesh
  6. Uttarakhand
  7. Manipur
  8. Mizoram
  9. Sikkim

However, states face their own unique challenges, still a lot of work is required to be done to improve the education sector across the country. Some states, particularly those with higher levels of poverty, social exclusion, and regional disparities, may require more focused attention and support to ensure that all children have access to quality education.

Focus of Samgara Shiksha

Samagra Shiksha is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at improving the quality of education at all levels, from primary to higher secondary. The scheme has been designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to education, with a focus on enhancing enrolment, retention, and learning outcomes for all students.

At the primary level, Samagra Shiksha focuses on improving access to education for all children, especially those from marginalized communities. It aims to enhance the quality of education by providing support for teacher training, infrastructure development, and the development of child-friendly teaching-learning materials. It also seeks to promote inclusive education by providing support for the education of children with disabilities.

At the upper primary level, the scheme aims to build on the foundation laid in the primary stage by providing students with a strong grounding in key subjects such as language, mathematics, and science. It also focuses on developing students’ social, emotional, and life skills with a view to preparing them for the challenges of secondary education and beyond.

At the secondary level, Samagra Shiksha aims to provide broad and balanced education which equips them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to succeed in the 21st century. This includes a focus on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, as well as promoting creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

At the higher secondary level, the scheme aims to provide students with access to quality education that prepares them for higher education or employment. It focuses on providing students with a strong grounding in key subjects, as well as developing their skills in areas such as research, analysis, and project management. It also seeks to promote a culture of lifelong learning by providing support for vocational education and training.

Overall, Samagra Shiksha is a comprehensive and integrated approach to education that seeks to provide all children with access to quality education at every stage of their schooling. By focusing on improving enrolment, retention, and learning outcomes, the scheme aims to ensure that all children have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to succeed in the 21st century.

Can India attain 100 percent GER at the school level by 2030, as envisaged by NEP 2020?

Attaining a 100 percent Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the school level by 2030, as envisaged by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is an ambitious target. While it is certainly achievable, it will require significant effort and investment in the education sector.

Currently, India’s GER at the elementary level (grades 1-8) is around 97 percent, while at the secondary level (grades 9-12), it is around 79 percent (as of 2019-20). This means that there are still some children who are not enrolled in school, particularly in remote and marginalized areas, and achieving 100 percent GER will require reaching out to these children and addressing the various barriers that prevent them from accessing education.

To achieve the target of 100 percent GER, the government will need to take a multi-pronged approach that includes improving access to education, enhancing the quality of education, and ensuring equitable and inclusive education for all children. This will require investment in infrastructure, teacher training, curriculum development, and the development of appropriate teaching-learning materials, among other things.

The NEP 2020 proposes several measures to achieve this goal, including the establishment of a National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, the expansion of early childhood education, the introduction of vocational education and skills training, and the use of technology to enhance the quality of education. However, the successful implementation of these measures will require sustained political will, adequate funding, and effective implementation strategies.

In conclusion, while achieving 100 percent GER at the school level by 2030 is an ambitious target, it is certainly achievable with the right policies and investments in the education sector. The NEP 2020 provides a roadmap for achieving this goal, but its successful implementation will require sustained efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the private sector.

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