INTRODUCTORY
 

1.0.0 Education Sector has quantitatively expanded over the last thirty-five years. Resource allocation has increased from Rs. 155 crores for the First Plan to over Rs. 6000 crores in the VII Plan. Expenditure on Education as percentage of GNP has increased from 1.2 in 1950-51 to 3.7% in 1985-86. Per capita expenditure has increased from Rs. 3.2 in 1950-51 to Rs. 98.34 in 1986-87. Literacy rate has improved from 16.6% in 1951 to 36.23% in 1981. The situation is still far from satisfactory. Investment in Education is not impressive at constant prices. Drop-out rates are high. Stagnation is all pervasive. Only 25% has availed of the formal schooling facilities. There are sharp regional imbalances. Intra-sectoral allocations would need correction in their balance. Female literacy is far lesser than over-all literacy. (24.82% as against 36.23%). The general and female literacy levels are far worse in several States, particularly, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Internal efficiencies in the Education Sector are low. There is considerable wastage too.

*Annexures 1 & 2

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