Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Verma (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 December 2010.

India

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have received assurances that the Government of India’s Education for All scheme, which is supported by United Kingdom financial aid, operates without discrimination against Dalit school pupils.

Answer: The goal of the Government of India’s Education for All scheme, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), is to give all children eight years of good quality basic education. The number of Dalit children now enrolled in school is in proportion with their share of the overall population. However, there are significant economic and social challenges in ensuring that Dalit and other disadvantaged children remain in school. The Indian Government, state governments and the Department for International Development (DfID) are working together to support disadvantaged children to complete their education, including by improving classroom practices and involving the community. We are looking at specific help for Dalit children and hope to make a further announcement on this shortly.

Secondary information