Introduction
Samagra Shiksha is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. In Telangana, it is implemented by the Department of School Education, aiming to provide equitable and inclusive quality education for all children from pre-primary to senior secondary level (Class 12).
This holistic program integrates three erstwhile schemes — Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) — into a unified platform.
Key Objectives of Samagra Shiksha in Telangana
- Universal Access to Education
Ensure that every child in the age group of 6–18 years has access to quality education, especially in marginalized and rural areas. - Equity and Inclusion
Special focus on education for girls, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), minority communities, and Children with Special Needs (CWSN). - Quality Improvement
Enhance learning outcomes through innovative teaching practices, upgraded infrastructure, and ICT (Information & Communication Technology) integration. - Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
Strengthen pre-primary education by integrating it with the formal school system, ensuring school readiness for young learners. - Digital and Vocational Education
Promote digital literacy, smart classrooms, and vocational training for secondary and higher secondary students.
Core Components of Samagra Shiksha in Telangana
1. School Infrastructure Development
- Construction of additional classrooms, toilets, drinking water facilities, and boundary walls.
- Provision of ramps and disabled-friendly infrastructure for CWSN.
2. Teacher Recruitment and Training
- Recruitment of qualified teachers in government schools.
- Continuous professional development through training, workshops, and ICT-based modules.
3. Learning Enhancement Programmes (LEP)
- Remedial teaching, bridge courses, and special academic support for low-performing students.
- Focused interventions to improve foundational literacy and numeracy.
4. ICT and Digital Learning
- Distribution of tablets, e-content, and smart boards.
- Integration of Diksha App, T-SAT (Telangana’s Satellite TV platform), and other digital tools for interactive learning.
5. Girl Child Education
- Implementation of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) for girls from disadvantaged communities.
- Free uniforms, textbooks, and sanitary hygiene programs.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Use of Shaala Siddhi and Shaala Darpan platforms to monitor school performance and student progress.
- GIS-based school mapping for planning new schools and facilities.
Achievements of Samagra Shiksha in Telangana
- Over 90% Net Enrolment Ratio achieved in primary schools.
- Thousands of teachers trained in modern pedagogical techniques.
- Expansion of KGBVs and Model Schools in backward districts.
- High adoption of digital learning tools during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Special Focus Areas in Telangana
- Tribal and Remote Areas: Residential schools and hostels have been established in tribal belts.
- Minority Welfare: Minority concentrated blocks receive special grants for school development.
- Inclusive Education: Resource rooms and special educators for differently-abled children.
How Samagra Shiksha is Funded
The scheme is jointly funded by the Central and State Governments. The funding pattern is generally 60:40 (Centre:State), though it may vary for certain UTs and special states.
Conclusion
Samagra Shiksha in Telangana stands as a transformative initiative aimed at universalizing and improving school education in a holistic and inclusive way. With strong governmental support, use of technology, and community involvement, the program continues to bridge educational gaps and build a strong foundation for the youth of the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who implements Samagra Shiksha in Telangana?
Answer: The Department of School Education, Telangana, is the nodal agency responsible for implementation.
Q2: Is Samagra Shiksha only for government schools?
Answer: Primarily, yes. However, aided schools and special residential schools also benefit from the scheme.
Q3: What is the role of ICT under Samagra Shiksha?
Answer: ICT tools enhance classroom learning, promote digital literacy, and support remote education.