Universal primary Education Goal 2 Universal primary Education

Progress Significant progress in enrolment rates, drop-outs and access - almost universal Increased awareness regarding importance of primary education for nation’s future - reflected in policy reforms Improvements along with equity - urban-rural, gender, marginalised groups Greater political commitment, converted into increased investment in education - Certain exceptions where contribution has gone down due to economic slowdown Reforms in curriculum improved system of data collection and analysis

Challenges limited budget to respond to increased demand for primary education disparities and limited progress among hardest-to-reach groups quality imperative: of learning; child-friendly environment; Untrained and unqualified teachers Linguistic and teaching in mother tongue limited data and data analysis capacity Coordination amongst various Departments Frequent policy changes Governance issues

Now and Beyond 2015 Rethinking strategy for education of the marginalised - especially first generation learners Shift in emphasis from quantitative parameters to quality issues - learning achievements, teacher quality,etc Governance issues, especially continuity in policies Financial commitment Monitoring and evaluation

Best Practices legal and policy developments (particularly those rights-based provisions of free/compulsory education as well as teacher-supported policies) Curriculum reforms partnerships with non-state/private partners, etc) Specific programs and practices targeted to reach the marginalized (ALS, mobile schools, targeted grants/stipends, advocacy, etc) Education cess School Report Card Multiple pathways to progress