ABSTRACT
The positive role of Universal Elementary Education (UEE) in strengthening the socio-economic base of a nation cannot be over-emphasised. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) came into force in India with effect from 1 April 2010. Even before the RTE came into force, the Government of India's (GoIs) efforts were towards universalisation of elementary education in the country. The chapter describes the stages through which the RTE Act has come into effect and how, in the course of implementing the RTE Act, the existing system has been changed and aligned with a view to fulfil its objectives. It discusses how various other important schemes of the central and state governments play a crucial role in achieving the objectives of the RTE. Further, the actual implementation of the RTE-Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and its impact is presented.
