Samagra Shiksha: Transforming India’s Education Landscape
The Department of School Education and Literacy has launched the Samagra Shiksha scheme, a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing school education across India. This program aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on providing quality education from pre-primary to class XII. The initiative seeks to create an inclusive learning environment that caters to diverse backgrounds and academic abilities, ensuring that every child can actively participate in their education.
Comprehensive Support for Students
Under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, financial assistance is allocated to States and Union Territories (UTs) to implement various educational provisions. This includes providing free uniforms and textbooks for elementary students, as well as reimbursement under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The scheme also emphasizes the development of teaching materials in tribal languages and offers transport facilities for students up to the secondary level. Special training programs are available for out-of-school children to facilitate age-appropriate admissions, along with residential and non-residential training options. Additionally, support is extended to older students (ages 16 to 19) through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and the State Institute of Open Schooling (SIOS), ensuring they can complete their education.
Furthermore, the scheme promotes the creation of holistic progress cards and bilingual teaching materials to enhance the learning experience. The initiative aims to address the educational needs of all children, particularly those from marginalized communities, by providing necessary resources and support systems.
Infrastructure Development and Teacher Training
Samagra Shiksha also focuses on strengthening educational infrastructure across the country. Financial assistance is provided for the establishment and enhancement of schools up to the senior secondary level, including the construction of new school buildings and additional classrooms. Special attention is given to improving school facilities in northern border areas through the Vibrant Village Programme. The scheme supports the establishment of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Avasiya Vidyalayas, as well as hostels for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) under the PM-JANMAN initiative.
In addition to infrastructure, the program emphasizes teacher education and training. It aims to strengthen District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), Block Resource Centers (BRCs), and Cluster Resource Centers (CRCs). Digital interventions, such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources, are also being integrated into the educational framework to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs
The Samagra Shiksha scheme prioritizes inclusivity, particularly for children with special needs (CwSN). Financial assistance is allocated for the identification and assessment of these children, along with the provision of aids, appliances, and appropriate teaching materials. The initiative also includes stipends for girl students with disabilities and the creation of accessible infrastructure, such as ramps and specially designed toilets, to ensure barrier-free access to education. To improve the identification process for CwSN, the government has introduced the Prashast App, which facilitates early screening in regular schools. Additionally, teacher training programs under the NISHTHA initiative are being conducted to equip educators with the skills necessary to address the unique learning needs of these students.
Literacy Initiatives and Digital Learning
The New India Literacy Programme (NILP), also known as ULLAS, targets non-literate individuals aged 15 and above who have missed formal schooling. This initiative aims to provide educational opportunities to enhance literacy levels among this demographic. Implemented from FY 2022-23 to 2026-27, the program has seen significant engagement, with over 2.20 crore learners and more than 40 lakh volunteer teachers registered on the dedicated ULLAS App. The app serves as a platform for learners and teachers, offering teaching-learning materials in various languages. The scheme also supports the development of essential school infrastructure, including classrooms, toilets, and science labs, tailored to meet state-specific requirements. To bridge the educational gap between rural and urban areas, digital initiatives such as ICT labs and smart classrooms are being promoted, ensuring that all students have access to quality education.
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