Previous Year Question
Which of the following age groups is eligible for enrolment under ‘Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan’?
4-12 years
6-14 years
5-15 years
5-16 years
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
The major objective of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) was the universalisation of Elementary Education for all children in the 6-14 years age group.
Under SSA, the major emphasis was on providing children access to schools, ensuring their enrolment and retention, reducing gender and social-category gaps and improving the quality of elementary education.
The 6-14 years age group also has special constitutional significance in India. The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 21A, making free and compulsory education for children between 6 and 14 years a Fundamental Right.
To implement this constitutional provision, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act) was enacted and came into force on 1 April 2010. It also guarantees free and compulsory elementary education to children in the 6-14 years age group.
Current Status
From 2018-19, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan was subsumed along with Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan and Teacher Education into Samagra Shiksha. However, the legal entitlement to free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 years under the RTE Act continues to remain in force.