Question : SPECIAL ATTENTION TO EDUCATION

(a) the details of the educational fields identified by the Government which require special attention;

(b) whether optimum utilisation of allocated funds is the need of the hour; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) to (c): The Government continues to focus on the three E’s - Expansion, Equity and Excellence in the education sector during the XIIth Five Year Plan. In addition to them, the Fourth ‘E’ of Employability has also become an increasing priority for the Government. In order to achieve these, educational fields which need special attention include – (i) to ensure universal access and, in keeping with letter and spirit of the RTE Act, provide free and compulsory education to all children in the age group of 6 to 14 years; (ii) to reduce social & regional disparities in access to education, (iii) to improve attendance and reduce drop- out rates at elementary, secondary and higher secondary levels; (iv) to improve learning outcomes at all levels of education; (v) to ensure teacher availability and teacher training; (vi) to develop life skills including skills of critical and constructive thinking, (vii) use of ICT at all levels of education; (viii) expansion of access to higher education; (ix) providing equity in access of higher education; and (x) improved teaching and research across all institutions of higher learning. Further, vocational education and skill building have also been given priority to enhance the employability of the students.

An amount of Rs.4,53,728 crore has been allocated for the education sector for the XIIth Five Year Plan period representing an increase of 68.12% over the XIth Five Year Plan allocation. Optimal utilization of the allocated funds is being made in order to achieve the desired outcomes.