Samagra Shiksha 3.0: Reforming School Education for Viksit Bharat 2047

Why in the News?

The Union Education Minister recently chaired a consultative meeting with State representatives and education experts to discuss the next phase of the Samagra Shiksha programme (Samagra Shiksha 3.0).
Key discussions included curriculum equivalence across State boards, integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in classrooms, and enhancing school governance, teacher capacity, and student learning outcomes.
The initiative aligns with the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and aims to achieve 100% school enrolment, holistic student development, and improved learning outcomes.

Overview of Samagra Shiksha Scheme

Launched: 2018, by integrating Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) schemes.
Objective: To provide a holistic, unified framework for school education from pre-primary to Class 12.
Administered by: Ministry of Education (earlier the Ministry of Human Resource Development, through the Department of School Education and Literacy.
Focus: Inclusive access, equity, quality education, and improved learning outcomes.
Special Programmes: This includes the NIPUN Bharat Programme, which focuses on strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy for children aged 3–9 years, and the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), which provide education for girls from Classes 6 to 12, along with stipends and self-defence training.
- In June 2021, the Ministry of Education introduced the NIPUN Bharat Programme as part of the Samagra Shiksha scheme.

Funding Pattern of Samagra Shiksha Scheme

Centrally Sponsored Scheme: Shared responsibility between Centre and States.
- States/UTs with Legislature: 60:40 (Centre 60%, State 40%).
- North-Eastern & Himalayan States: 90:10 (Centre 90%, State 10%).
- UTs without Legislature: 100% funded by Centre.

Samagra Shiksha 2.0: Key Features

Comprehensive Coverage: The scheme integrates school education from pre-primary to senior secondary levels under a single framework, ensuring a holistic approach to education.
Unified Implementation: It replaces earlier fragmented schemes like SSA, RMSA, and Teacher Education programs, promoting better coordination, planning, and execution across all levels of school education.
Infrastructure Development: Focuses on improving physical and digital infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, ICT labs, smart classrooms, libraries, sanitation facilities, and transportation for students.
Teacher Training and Capacity Building: Emphasises continuous professional development for teachers through SCERTs and DIETs, incorporates pedagogical reforms, and provides leadership training for school heads.
Digital Education: Promotes technology integration in classrooms, including platforms like DIKSHA, ICT tools, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance learning outcomes and make education more interactive.
Equity and Inclusion: Prioritises support for girls, children with disabilities (CwSN), SC/ST students, and learners in Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs), Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas as well as border and aspirational districts, in line with the national development principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

Vocational Training: Introduced from Class 6 onwards, providing students early exposure to practical skills and career-oriented learning.
Physical Education and Sports: Encourages sports and physical education by providing financial support for equipment and aligning activities with Khelo India initiatives to foster overall development.

Samagra Shiksha 3.0: Next Phase of Reform

Represents the next phase of school education reform aligned with NEP 2020 and India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Focuses on outcome-driven education, moving beyond mere access to quality learning.
Core Objectives:
- Achieve universal enrolment up to Class 12.
- Reduce dropout rates.
- Improve foundational and grade-level learning outcomes.
- Strengthen teacher capacity, leadership, and school governance.
- Ensure equity for socio-economically disadvantaged groups.
Key Focus Areas:
- Access & Infrastructure: Address regional and social gaps in schooling facilities.
- Quality of Learning: Curriculum equivalence across State boards and competency-based assessment.
- Teacher Capacity Building: Continuous training and pedagogical reforms.
- Digital Education & AI Integration: Leverage technology to enhance learning.
- Equity & Inclusion: Special focus on girls, CwSN, SC/ST students, and aspirational districts.

Governance and Planning Approach

Encourages consultative, bottom-up planning, allowing States and Union Territories to prepare annual plans grounded in local school realities.
Promotes convergence among Ministries, States, and civil society to improve efficiency and accountability.
Emphasises data-driven governance to track student progress and improve educational outcomes.

Q. With reference to the Samagra Shiksha scheme, consider the following statements:
1. Samagra Shiksha was launched by integrating Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) schemes.
2. It covers school education from pre-primary to senior secondary level (Class XII) under a single unified framework.
3. The scheme is implemented exclusively by the State Governments, without any funding contribution from the Centre.
4. The NIPUN Bharat Programme under Samagra Shiksha focuses on strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy for children aged 3–9 years.

Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only 
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) All of the above

Answer: (b) 1, 2, and 4 only

Explanation (Brief):
Statement 1: Correct – Samagra Shiksha was launched in 2018 by integrating SSA, RMSA, and Teacher Education schemes.
Statement 2: Correct – It covers the full spectrum of school education from pre-primary to Class XII.
Statement 3: Incorrect – The scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, with cost shared between Centre and States (60:40; 90:10 for NE/Himalayan States; 100% for UTs without legislature).
Statement 4: Correct – The NIPUN Bharat Programme is part of Samagra Shiksha, targeting foundational literacy and numeracy for children aged 3–9 years.