Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan

published by | February 20, 2025

Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) was launched by the Government of India in March 2009 to improve the quality of secondary education and increase enrollment rates in secondary schools (classes 9–10). It aimed to enhance access to education for students, especially in rural and underprivileged areas.

Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan

Key Objectives of RMSA

  • Increase Enrollment:

    • Improve access to secondary education by establishing new schools.
    • Provide scholarships and incentives to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

  • Improve Infrastructure:

    • Construct new school buildings and upgrade existing ones.
    • Build additional classrooms, science labs, libraries, and toilets.
    • Provide hostels for students, especially for girls.

  • Enhance Quality of Education:

    • Recruit and train more qualified teachers.
    • Develop better curriculum and teaching materials.
    • Promote ICT (Information & Communication Technology) in education.

  • Bridge Gender and Social Gaps:

    • Encourage the enrollment of girls, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and economically weaker sections.
    • Provide financial assistance, scholarships, and free education schemes.

  • Reduce Dropout Rates:

    • Strengthen vocational training and skill development programs.
    • Introduce flexible learning models for children who drop out.

Key Features of RMSA

✔ Expansion of Schools: More schools were built in underserved areas to ensure that students do not have to travel long distances.
✔ Quality Improvement: Special focus was given to teacher training, student assessments, and innovative learning techniques.
✔ Girls’ Education: Separate toilets, hostels, and safety measures were introduced to encourage more girls to attend school.
✔ ICT Integration: Schools were equipped with computers and digital learning tools to modernize education.

Implementation & Funding

  • RMSA was a centrally sponsored scheme, meaning both the central and state governments shared financial responsibility.
  • The Central Government contributed 75%, and the State Governments provided 25%.
  • It was merged with the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in 2018 to create a unified education reform program covering pre-primary to higher secondary levels.

FAQs

What was the role of ICT in RMSA?

RMSA promoted Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by providing computers, digital boards, and e-learning facilities in secondary schools to modernize education.

What improvements were made under RMSA?
  • Construction of new schools in underserved areas.
  • Addition of classrooms, science labs, and libraries.
  • Separate toilets and hostels for girls.
  • Digital learning through ICT-enabled classrooms.
  • Teacher training and skill development programs.
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