Indian Education Repository

Examining the implementation of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) in West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Kerala, and Rajasthan, the Committee noted the discrepancies in learning levels although enrolment was near-universal. The Committee recommended that states should undertake measures at their own level to improve learning outcomes and the policy and funding should shift its orientation from input-based expenditure to outcome-focused achievements, such as improving learning outcomes of children in elementary schools. With respect to SSA, it suggests removing all discrepancies between the states and national systems, improving State Institute of Education Management and Training (SIEMAT) and District Institutes for Education and Training (DIET), filling vacancies under SSA and such. With respect to MDMS, it observes that the programme has diverted the attention of teachers and students on activities other than learning and the states had not followed the centre’s guidelines on distributing food. It suggests the following new initiatives–accreditation of teachers’ training institutes, Swachha Vidyalaya, Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat, and Shaala – Siddhi.