Perception of Community Members Regarding SSA and its Implementation

Abstract

 Universalisation of elementary education in India still remains elusive despite the various programmes initiated by the state. However, the two programmes of Dristrict Primary Education Programme (DPEP) and SSA stand out for its innovative design features and its emphasis on community participation. In fact, the National Policy on Education (1986), and its Programme of Action (1992), recommended not only promoting participation of community in primary education but also a move towards empowering the local community to make management decisions in this regard. The problem at village level can be better understood by members of the village and they can think of some viable solution. Considering this factor, Village Education Committees (VECs) are constituted for the management of education at village level and are deputed with powers to carry on the management of school. This generates interest amongst the community members and more and more people get involved in promoting education. The paper studies the different perceptions of the various village committees regarding SSA and its implementation and draws implication of the study towards the end of the paper.