DPEP - Karnataka Vertical Expansion of DPEP Raichur District Diagnostic Studies

Abstract

From Introduction: Provision of free and compulsory education for all children upto the age of 14 is a constitutional directive. The recent efforts to make education, a fundamental right reflect an increased national commitment to achieve the goal of Universalisation of Elementary Education (UEE). While considerable progress has been made to achieve UEE, efforts have so far been directed towards the primary stage rather than the upper primary stage. Universalisation of Primary Education, with respect to enrolment is a function of the relevant age group; whereas at the Upper Primary stage it is a function of number of students graduated from the primary schooling. DPEP came into operation in 1994-95 in four districts of Karnataka, namely Belgaum, Kolar, Mandya and Raichur. In 1997-98 Raichur district was bifurcated into districts of Raichur and Koppal. Thus, the original four DPEP districts became five districts. The districts were identified for their low female literacy rates. In addition, however, these districts are also characterised by high infant mortality rates, more adverse sex ratios and poorer per capita incomes.