APJ Abdul Kalam once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” To help every child get this weapon of education, the Government of India has created several programs that offer free education to all kids, no matter their background. Here are five important government programs that make education free for everyone:
1. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): Launched in 2001, this program aims for every child in India aged 6 to 14 to get quality elementary education. It works closely with state and local governments to ensure every child gets a chance to learn.
2. Samagra Shiksha: This program covers education from preschool all the way to class XII. It ensures that all children can access good education and have a fair learning environment, considering their diverse needs and backgrounds.
3. CBSE Udaan Program: This program helps girls in classes 10 and 12 prepare for engineering entrance exams. It provides free online and offline resources, such as study materials and special classes, to help girls succeed in their future studies.
4. Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA): This program works to increase the number of secondary schools within easy reach of every home. It also aims to improve the quality of secondary education, making it available to everyone regardless of gender, background, or disabilities.
5. Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV): Launched in 2004, this scheme sets up residential schools for girls from disadvantaged families, especially those from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other minority groups. It helps them move smoothly from elementary to secondary education.
In addition to these national programs, many state governments also offer free education schemes. For example, in Tamil Nadu, there is a Free Education Scheme that started in 2012 to support students from backward classes in paying for their college education, covering all necessary fees.
These programs reflect India’s commitment to providing free and quality education for all children, ensuring that every child can pursue their dreams and change the world.
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