What did SSA 1 achieve?
Rapid expansion of primary school facilities: The first phase of SSA saw a rapid expansion of primary school facilities across the country, especially in remote and socially disadvantaged areas. Over 200,000 new schools were set up. Huge increase in enrollment: There was a huge increase in elementary school enrollment with over 21 million children additionally enrolled. Access for children from marginalized groups, minorities, extremely poor households, and educationally and economically lagging states increased.Reduction in out-of-school children: The number of out-of-school children was reduced from 25 million to about 4.5 million between 2003 and 2008, according to Government of India figures. The biggest reduction took place in Bihar (1.1 million) and West Bengal (0.9 million). The total number of districts with more than 50,000 out of school children reduced from 48 in 2005 to only 6 in 2008.Narrowing of gender gaps: The share of girls enrolled in public schools is now slightly hi
