EQUITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION FOR MINORITY

The 12th plan has highlighted expansion, equity and excellence as the major concern in education. India has witnessed significant increase in gross enrolment ration and inclusivity through affirmative action. However persistent disparity exists across states, religious minorities and backward classes. Education is a prerequisite for socio-economic development, particularly for the weaker sections that have all along been subjected to various kinds of deprivation and discrimination and therefore, stand in need of instant development. A proactive state initiative to foster excellence while improving equity through higher access of disadvantage segment of the society. Education is a right and all citizens of the country should have access to it. It is through education that they can fully utilize the opportunities for socio-economic development since it opens to them various avenues of mobility and employment. Education is also an instrument of liberation and endows the deprived groups with confidence, courage and ability to resist exploitation.