GIRLS EDUCATION UNDER SARVA SIKSHA ABHIYAAN: A STUDY IN FOUR DISTRICTS OF UTTAR PRADESH (INDIA)

Men and women are the two driving wheels of society; both depend on each other. In the ancient, medieval and pre-modern periods the societies remained patriarchal in nature. Modern and postmodern society has brought sea changes in the perception of men towards women. Now women hold a better position, respect and dignity. Women have proved, through various examples that they can work rubbing shoulders with men in all walks of life. This progression has created the demand for equal educational opportunities to men and women. As women carry a dual role of homemakers as well as professionals, they are placed in a more important position to be the center of gravity of the family. Due to this remarkable significance, education of girls has become more important. Reaching out to each and every girl child is central to the efforts of universalizing elementary education. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) or „Education for All‟ (EFA) Programme recognizes that ensuring girl‟s education requires changes, not only in the education system of the state, but also in societal attitudes. The Present paper discusses the status and prospects of girls‟ education in the four districts of Uttar Pradesh (India) in the light of schemes launched under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), implemented in the entire country in 2001.