An attempt to universalize elementary education in Manipur-North East India (with specific reference to a district, Imphal East)

One of the constitutional obligations of the Indian democracy is to provide universalisation of elementary education (UEE) in the country. However, due to various reasons and factors, this obligation could not achieve yet. After the formulation of National Policy on Education, 1986 and follow up POA-1986, certain steps and measures have been taken up in the form of meaningful partnership of Union and State Government. The scheme of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) has been launched since 2001 in order to make universalise elementary education for all children till they complete fourteen years of age all over the country. The present paper is to focus the status of Universalisation of Elementary Education under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in Imphal East district in the state of Manipur, and its constraint to achieve by 2010. The paper aims to evaluate the progress of the scheme implemented in the said district and will point out the various hurdles faced by the beneficiaries as well as by the implementing authority. The research also suggests various ways to sensitize the programme for all concern. This paper will be so useful for students and teachers in general for their academic purpose and for the researchers as a source of related literature in particular.