Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)
is Government of India's flagship programme
for achievement of Universalization of Elementary Education (UEE) in a time bound
manner, as mandated by 86th amendment to the Constitution of India making free and
compulsory Education to the Children of 6-14 years age group, a Fundamental Right.
SSA is being implemented in partnership with State Governments to cover the entire
country and address the needs of 192 million children in 1.1 million habitations.
The programme seeks to open new schools in those habitations 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 grants.
Existing schools with inadequate teacher strength are provided with additional teachers,
while the capacity of existing teachers is being strengthened by extensive training,
grants for developing teaching-learning materials and strengthening of the academic
support structure at a cluster, block and district level. SSA seeks to provide quality
elementary education including life skills. SSA has a special focus on girl's education
and children with special needs. SSA also seeks to provide computer education to
bridge the digital divide.