The Union Cabinet has approved a slew of reforms for school education in the country, in what could be considered as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan-2 project.
The SSA, the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan and teacher training would be integrated into a single scheme from Classes 1 to 12.
The integrated scheme will be in place from April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2020, with an estimated allocation of Rs. 75,000 crores over the period (20% increase from present).
The government would focus on educationally backward districts, disabled students and women.
The skill courses, which are now functional from Class 9 to Class 12, would begin from Class 6 in future, aimed at enhancing the employability of students.
The Centre has also approved an increase in the outlay for making educational loans interest-free for students with modest financial means for studying in universities and colleges charging high fees.