Book Description

This systematic review investigates the impact, effectiveness, inclusivity, and implementation challenges of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in India's educational landscape. The SSA, launched in 2018, integrates the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) programs, aiming to create a seamless continuum of education from pre-primary to senior secondary levels. A comprehensive literature search across five databases identified 65 relevant studies. These studies indicate that the SSA has significantly improved access to education, particularly for girls and marginalized communities, through enhanced infrastructure and targeted interventions. However, challenges persist in ensuring quality education. Teacher training programs often lack consistency and context-specific modules, and curriculum reforms and technology integration require more extensive implementation. Inclusivity has improved, with better access for children with disabilities and successful early childhood education interventions, although resource gaps remain. Digital education initiatives like DIKSHA show promise but are hindered by the digital divide, necessitating substantial investment in digital infrastructure. Implementation challenges, including inadequate funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and lack of accountability, impede the effective realization of SSA's goals. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing the program's impact. Based on these findings, the review recommends strengthening teacher training, expanding digital infrastructure, increasing funding, implementing targeted interventions for marginalized groups, and enhancing accountability mechanisms. These measures are vital for SSA to achieve its objectives of providing equitable and quality education to all children in India.