State your opinion on the following statement: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is helping to achieve universalisation of education in India.

Answer: I agree with the statement.

• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan was started by the Government of India in 2001 to give free and compulsory elementary education to all children of 6–14 years.
• Under it new schools and classrooms were built, teachers appointed, and free textbooks, uniforms and mid-day meals provided.
• Special attention is given to girls, children of SC/ST and minority communities, and children with special needs; out-of-school children are brought back to school.
• As a result enrolment has increased and drop-outs have reduced, so it is helping to achieve universalisation of education. The Right to Education Act (2009) strengthened it.