Universalisation of Elementary Education in India

It means making elementary education (Classes 1 to 8) available to every child in India, without exception — regardless of caste, gender, religion, disability, or economic status.

The Three Goals of UEE:

1. Universal Access: A school must be accessible to every child within their neighbourhood.
2. Universal Enrolment: Every child must be enrolled in school.
3. Universal Retention: Every enrolled child must complete elementary education (no dropouts).

The biggest step toward UEE was the enactment of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

• It made education a Fundamental Right under Article 21-A of the Constitution for children aged 6 to 14 years.
• Schools must provide free education (no fees).
• No child can be held back (detained) in Classes 1 to 8.
• At least 25% of seats in private schools must be reserved for children from economically weaker sections (EWS).

The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) — 'Education for All' mission — was launched in 2001 to achieve UEE by building new schools, training teachers, and providing mid-day meals to encourage attendance.