The success of the primary education system has a direct bearing on the upper primary, non-formal and adult and continuing education sectors; an efficient primary education system is expected to contribute significantly to total literacy: an appropriate rise in literacy levels improves the functioning of other systems of education. Effective delivery of primary education contributes to bettering India's HDI (Human Development Index), including our standing in the Human Development Index evolved by UNDP. This volume is a study of the District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) in one of the states of South India. It is a piece of policy evaluation research expected to contribute to the ongoing discussion of policy processes in primary schools. It specifically questions to what extent objectives such as access, retention, quality and equality are achieved by the implementation of the DPEP. Figures from before and after the implementation of the DPEP show a significant increase in enrolment levels in primary schools all over the state. Thus, the major impact of DPEP implementation is seen in enhanced access to primary schools. The study shows that the DPEP implementation succeeded in attaining the objective of equality. This can be observed from gender equality in dropout rates at various primary grades. The DPEP seems to have achieved only moderate success in meeting the objective of retention of students. The DPEP does not seem to have approached the quality objective very seriously.

It is an established fact that basic education improves the level of human well-being especially with regard to life expectancy, infant mortality and nutritional status of children, as well as a significant contribution to economic growth. Universal Elementary Education (UEE) has arranged a programme called Sarba Shiksha Abhiyan. It is a historic stride towards achieving the long cherished goal of Universalisation of Elementary Education (UEE) through a time bound integrated approach, in partnership with States. This book provides an in depth examination of the educational program called Sarba Shiksha Abhiyan.

Revised version of most of the papers presented at a seminar held in June 2006.

In Indian context.

Education specially at the primary level,contributes to a great extent to the physical,mental,emotional,social and spiritual growth of the child.Primary education promotes the sikls,knowlege,attitudes and habits.This book question the reasons behind non-universalization of primary education in India.Rampant child labour and poverty are the two most commonly cited resons in Inidia,which did not deter some of the other developing countres from making primary education compulsory.

Contributed articles on universalising elementary education and on crucial role of teachers and teacher-educators.