Universalisation of elementary education means universal access, enrolment, retention and qualitative education up to14 years.
In 1937 in our country Home governments were formed in the provinces. In the same year Mahatma Gandhi presented the ‘National Education Scheme’ in which the proposal for free and compulsory education from class I to VIII for 07-14 years age group was made. At that time primary education came to mean the basic or elementary education imparted from classes 01 to 08. With the passage of time, this education was divided into two parts.
• Lower primary education (from classes 1 to 5)
• Upper primary education(from classes 6 to 8)
Article 45 of the constitution of India declared that within 10 years of its enforcement, the goal of free and compulsory education for all children up to the age of 14 years will be achieved. Elementary education has became a justifiable fundamental right from 2009. Universalization of free and compulsory education in India means.
• Cent percent opportunity or Universal Access
• Cent percent Enrolment or Universal Enrolment
• Cent percent Retention or Universal Retention
• Cent percent Success or Universal Achievement
Some barriers in the way of Universalisation of Elementary Education
• Lack of funding for Education
• Having no teachers or having untrained teachers
• Lack of learning Material
• The exclusion of children with disabilities
• Distance from Home to School
• Fast-growing population of the country