Planning and Appraisal of RMSA

Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) The RMSA scheme was launched in March, 2009 in the backdrop of the Constitutional mandate to universalize elementary education, and the success of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). The need for a new mission for secondary education was emphasized in the Mid-Term Appraisal of the 10th Five Year Plan (June 2005).

Vision

To make secondary education of good quality available, accessible & affordable to all young persons in the age group 15-16 years

Objectives

  • To achieve a GER of 75% for classes IX-X within 5 years by providing a secondary school within a reasonable distance (5-7 km) of every habitation
  • To improve quality of education imparted at secondary level through making all secondary schools conform to prescribed norms
  • To remove gender, socio-economic and disability barriers
  • To achieve universal access to secondary education by 2017, i.e., by the end of 12th Five Year Plan
  • To achieve universal retention by 2020

Strategies and Interventions

The scheme was implemented in partnership with State Governments. The broad strategies of the scheme for improving access included: (a) Provision of necessary infrastructure and resources in the secondary; and (b) Provision of extra support for education of girls, rural children and students belonging to SC/ST, minority and other weaker sections of the society. The interventions which were supported under RMSA were (a) Upgradation of UPS to Secondary school, (b) Strengthening of existing Secondary school, (c) Additional Classroom, (d) Science laboratory with equipment, (e) Library, (f) Computer room, (g) Art craft and Culture room, (h) Toilet blocks and water Facility, (i) Major repair, and (j) Residential quarters for teachers.

The strategies for improving the quality were: (a) School Grant, (b) Minor Repair, (c) Teachers training, (d) Salary of teaching & non-teaching staff in new and existing schools, (e) Setting up of EduSat in Schools, (f) Excursion trip for students, (g) Study tour outside the State, (h) Performing arts, (i) Maths laboratory kit, (j) Book Fair, (k) Science fair, (k) Language and Digital Communication Laboratory, (l) Orientation Programmes for head teachers and Educational Planners, (m) Sports material for schools, (n) Self defence training for students especially girls, (o) Special teaching for weaker students, and (p) Guidance and counselling. The interventions for addressing equity included: (a)Activity for Maa-Beti Mela, (b) Transport facilities for girls, (c) SC/ST Oriented activities (Shiksha Mahasabha, traditional game meet, traditional art/craft/ dance competition, (d) Interaction with stakeholders and chain agents in SC/ST/Minority/Tea-Tribe dominated areas, and (e) Retention derive for tea-tribes and minority girls' student.