What is Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)? < Back 2025-01-16 By Ampersand Group Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is a flagship programme launched by the Government of India in 2018, aimed at transforming the school education landscape across the country. It integrates three previously existing schemes — Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE) — into a single comprehensive initiative. The programme covers the entire educational spectrum from pre-school to class 12, making it a holistic approach to school education. The primary objective of SSA is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all children. The scheme also prioritizes quality improvement through teacher training, better infrastructure, integration of digital technology in classrooms and the introduction of vocational education at school secondary level. By promoting a well-rounded educational approach, SSA aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. In this blog, let’s take a look at the vision, objectives and benefits of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. What is the vision of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan? As per the Government of India, the vision of SSA is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education from pre-school to senior secondary level in accordance with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for Education. Under SDG #4 Quality Education, the government mentions 2 Targets in particular which align with SSA’s vision and objective: Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all boys and girls complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. Target 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous people and children in vulnerable situations. What are the objectives of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan? The major objectives of the scheme are provision of quality education and enhancing learning outcomes of students. Special emphasis is placed on improving the educational experience for marginalized and disadvantaged groups, including girls, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), children with special needs, and economically weaker sections. Read on to know the objectives of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: 1. Bridge social and gender gaps The aim is to promote equity by reducing disparities in education outcomes across gender and social categories, especially for girls, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. 2. Ensure equity and inclusion at all school levels By concentrating on the two T's—teacher and technology—the scheme aims to improve the quality of education in schools. It also aims to cater to students from all backgrounds as well as children with special needs to ensure their integration into the mainstream education system. 3. Ensure minimum standards in school provisions Under SSA, the focus is on creating a uniform baseline of quality across all schools in India. This involves setting and maintaining essential standards for infrastructure, teaching resources, learning environments, and educational outcomes to ensure that every child has access to a quality education, regardless of location or socio-economic background. 4. Promote vocational education Strengthen the quality of education through better teacher training, learning materials and innovative teaching methods as well as introducing skill-based education at secondary level. 5. Support states in implementation of Right to Education (RTE) Act Focus on helping states fulfill the mandates of the RTE Act 2009, which guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years in India. What are the benefits of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan? 1. Universal access and retention While SSA focuses on catering to students from all backgrounds, it also implements various strategies to minimize dropout rates. Strategies such as mid-day meal schemes, provision of free textbooks and uniforms and scholarships reduces the burden for financially-strapped families. 2. Integrated scheme By combining resources from multiple schemes, SSA reduces duplication of efforts, ensuring better utilization of funds and infrastructure. It simplifies the implementation of educational initiatives, making it easier for states to align with national objectives and improve educational outcomes. 3. Infrastructure development SSA supports the construction and enhancement of school infrastructure, including classrooms, toilets, drinking water facilities and libraries, creating a conducive learning environment. 4. Teacher training and capacity building SSA emphasizes teacher training and professional development, improving teaching quality and ensuring that educators are well-equipped to deliver effective education. 5. Enhanced learning outcomes The strategy for all interventions under the SSA is to enhance Learning Outcomes at all levels of schooling. It aims to improve the overall quality of education through innovative teaching methods and regular learning assessments, so that students not only attend school but also achieve better academic performance. Conclusion The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, a unified scheme, streamlines resources, optimizes implementation and prepares students for future challenges while supporting states in fulfilling the goals of the Right to Education Act. Overall, it underscores the government's commitment to the holistic development of students and the creation of a more inclusive and effective educational system in India, aligned with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. To know more in the education and skill development sectors, visit Ampersand Group. Frequently Asked Questions Q1.When was the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan started? Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), a flagship programme by the Government of India, was launched in 2018 and aims to transform the school education landscape across the country. Q2. What is the aim of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan? The primary objective of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all children. Q3. What is the motto of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan? The motto of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is "Sabko Shiksha, Achhi Shiksha," which translates to "Education for All, Quality Education." It emphasizes the programme's goal to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for every child in India.