Bangalore International Centre had organized a Talk by Dr. M D Usha Devi, Professor and Head, CHRD, ISEC on “Marginalised Children in Primary Education : Current Challenges for Schools and Teachers” on 21st May, 2008 at 6 PM at its Conference Hall.

In a detailed exposition, aided by a power-point presentation, Dr. Usha Devi underlined the strides taken in the field of primary education since the formation of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Gross Enrolment Ratios have increased and the drop-out rats have declined; yet the fact remained that there were still a vast number of marginalized children who remained outside the canvas. She stressed that more systemic improvements must be brought about to cover this gap. The session was moderated by Ms. Vandita Sharma, IAS, State Project Director,, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Karnataka who acknowledged the systemic shortcomings and felt that the malaise could be tackled only through a holistic approach with all the governmental agencies and the community coming together. The lively interactive session was nearly unanimousthat unless a dent is made on the issue of poverty, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan would have only a limited success.

The power point presentation presented by Dr. Usha Devi is attached herewith.