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Unit 16: Programmes of UEE

Universalisation of elementary education also means free education. In some of the advanced Notes
countries free education means no fees, free books and stationery, free mid-day meals and free
school transport. But in developing countries like India, it has not been possible to provide all
these facilities free of cost. Of course, education at this stage is free of tuition fee in state run/local
bodies aided schools. Other facilities on a selective basis are also provided.
Universalisation of primary of elementary education involves the following three stages of steps:
(a) Universalisation of Provision.
(b) Universalisation of Enrolment.
(c) Universalisation of Retention.
(a) Universalisation of Provision: It means that school facilities should be provided to all the
children between the age group 6 to 14 years in the country within the walking distance of
a child. We have fairly succeeded as far as this provision is concerned.
(b) Universalisation of Enrolment: All children between the age group 6 to 14 years must be
enrolled. For this, compulsory legislation must be passed. Under legislation, parents can be
fined for not sending their children to schools. However this provision has not been fulfilled
in our country.
(c) Universalisation of Retention: By this we mean that once a child joins an elementary/
primary school, he should remain there till he completes all 8 classes. If the child leaves the
school in between, the idea of universalisation stands defeated. It gives birth to problem of
wastage. Mere enlistment of children is not enough. They have to be retained for eight years
from Classes I to VIII.

Unfortunately, in our country 55% of all the first admission leave the primary
school before completing it.

16.2 Significance of UEE

It is universally accepted that the provision of UEE is the true index of the general, economic, political
and social development of a country. Primary education contributes to national development. Various
studies have clearly demonstrated that countries which have made proper provision for UEE are far
ahead of those with inadequate provision. On account of its importance, the Constitution of India
enjoins upon the State to make provision for it. UEE assumes special significance for a developing
country like India where elementary education is the end of nearly 45 per cent of the people.
UEE education is needed on account of the following considerations:
1. Preservation and promotion of culture.
2. Enrichment of life of an individual.
3. Promotion of values like give and take, mutual appreciation and tolerance.
4. Constructive participation in political and social life.
5. Development of vocational efficiency.
6. Development of basic and upgraded skills.
7. Improvement in the quality of followership and leadership.
8. Deriving benefit from new knowledge.

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