Free and compulsory education for all children in India is the constitutional commitment. And, the aim of this educational movement is to achieve the goal of universalisation of elementary education. Indian education system is perhaps the largest educational system over the world catering millions of students of diverse economic background from elementary stage to university level. The system provides children with an education that is free from pressure, anxiety and fear as it entitles all children from the age of 6-14 years for free and compulsory education.
Background of elementary education:
Before discussing the history and development of elementary education India, we should have to look the original background of Indian elementary education. India has its long tradition of education from earlier day's institutions like Nalanda and Taskshashila. At that time, Indian education was developed along with two categories schools like Pathshalas and Madrassahs where the traditional classical learning was taught. By the end of 18th century, a village based indigenous education system was developed to teach the students at elementary level. Many positive initiatives have been taken after 90's and the demand of elementary education keeps on growing with the recognition of importance of educating children among the guardians.
Development phase in elementary education:
According to the United Nations Education board, India is the only country, has progressed the most over the world by sending students to school at elementary stage. United Nations also lauded Indian government effort in implementing the welfare program in elementary education. Significant efforts have been made by the Indian government for the progress in every sphere of elementary education. India's elementary education was portrayed by historical inequalities at the time of independence. But, the Indian government commitment in ensuring free and compulsory education for all elementary students has made a remarkable progress as an evident from the provision of schooling facilities. Official statics reveal the progress of history and development of elementary education in India.
National policy on elementary stage:
Initial policies and initiatives were made to overcome the problems in elementary education, but the qualities and participations in terms of elementary education still persist. But the national policies with the wide range of challenges were formulated by the government to give a new direction in context of modern realities and future concerns. And, this national policy also recommended the minimum level learning for all students at elementary stage and provision of child centric teaching approach in elementary schools.
Strategies & equality education:
The last but the most important point to consider in Indian education is equality of education, and that is measured in terms of student accomplishment. If we look back at the history and development of elementary education in India, government took the responsibilities of the new innovation and strategies that are being applied to the elementary stage education. Some of the major innovations and strategies are: decentralized micro planning providing the platform of universal participation, non formal education system for them who can't afford the full time schooling, improved facilities by revamping school operational board and many more. However, Indian government commitment in elementary education has made the largest progress in terms of any country in the world.