Impact of SSA Initiatives on Universalisation of Elementary Education in Karnataka

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), launched by the Government of India in 2001-02 in all the states inIndia, aims to bring all children in the age group of 6 to 14 years in the net of Class 1 to 8 elementaryeducation, retain them in school till they complete an 8-year cycle and see that they attain standardsof a specified quality. Implementers of the programme (scheduled to be completed by 2010) feel thatconcerns of quality and equity persist, while the concerns of universal access and participation havebeen satisfactorily addressed.
The SSA accepted PAC’s proposal, “Study of impact of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan initiatives onuniversalisation of elementary education in Karnataka with special reference to concerns of quality andequity.” Work on this began in three districts of Karnataka, viz. Bangalore Urban, Shimoga and Gulbarga,as well as on case studies in Hassan District.
The study included feedback from not just the beneficiaries (students and parents) but also fromservice providers (teachers, head teachers and public officials) and other stakeholders (SDMC and CACmembers). Case study research was also a part of the study methodology. The findings from the studywere published in 2009.

The report can be read here.