EMPOWERMENT OF SCHEDULED CASTE/SHEDULED TRIBE CHILDREN UNDER SARVA SHIKSHA ABHIYAN OF TAMILNADU

The Policy and its Programme of Action (POA), 1992 contains specific directions and measures for the educational upliftment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), which means ‘Movement of Education for All' was implemented as one of India's flagship programmes for universalising elementary education. Its overall goals include universal access and retention, bridging of gender and social category gaps in education and enhancement of learning levels of children. 600 students belonging to SC/ST groups of primary schools in Tamil Nadu were randomly selected as the sample. Analysis of the results revealed that many activities for the empowerment of SC/ST students were carried out by schools in the selected districts of Tamil Nadu. These programmes are helpful in increasing self confidence in students. Among these, community living camp, learn to earn programmes, exposure trips and remedial teaching are the major activities. Community living camps and exposure trips were beneficial to increase leadership ability and to develop social feeling. The study also showed that more programmes for the empowerment of SC/ST students are needed.