PACS seeks to increase non-discriminatory access to Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) – the Government of India’s programmes promoting universal elementary and secondary education.
SSA aims to achieve the mandate of the 86th amendment to the Constitution of India, which made free and compulsory education a fundamental right for children aged 6-14 years. PACS seeks to reduce the number of out-of-school children, particularly girls, in households of socially excluded groups through the development and use of teaching materials and methods that are best suited to community needs.
PACS seeks to:
- Increase the number of functioning elementary and secondary schools in PACS districts, so that minimum government norms are met
- Challenge the discrimination in schools that leads to poor attendance, poor academic development and children dropping out of school
- Ensure that children from socially excluded groups remain in school and move to higher classes, with better learning achievements
- Ensure that members of socially excluded groups, especially women, play an active role in statutory committees that monitor the quality of education