Describe the measures taken by the Government of India to reduce drop-out rates and improve learning in schools.

How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.

1 · Open with the goal. Elementary education for children aged 6 to 14 is a fundamental right (86th Amendment 2002, RTE Act 2009).
2 · Community and awareness. Creating parent awareness and involving the community and panchayats.
3 · Incentives. Free education, free books and free uniforms for children.
4 · Mid-day meal. A cooked meal at school improves nutrition and attendance, especially of poor children.
5 · Better schooling and SSA. Improving content and teaching, and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (2001) for enrolment and retention.
6 · Close in one line. Together these steps keep more children, especially girls, SCs and STs, in school.

Scoring tip: The mid-day meal is the step examiners expect most. Always include it, with the reason it works.