India has recognized the importance of universal literacy and elementary education as a cornerstone for socio-economic development and has implemented a variety of programmes and schemes to ensure access to education for all children, reduce dropout rates, improve learning outcomes, and promote literacy among marginalized groups. The government’s focus has been on creating inclusive, equitable, and quality education opportunities, especially in rural areas where educational deprivation is more pronounced. Several flagship schemes and initiatives reflect this commitment, addressing both the quantitative and qualitative dimensions of elementary education. One of the primary programmes in this regard is the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), launched in 2001, which aims to provide free and compulsory education to all children aged 6 to 14 years. SSA is a centrally sponsored scheme that has been instrumental in increasing enrollment rates, particularly among girls, children from disadvantaged communities, and those in remote regions. The programme emphasizes the development of infrastructure, including school buildings, classrooms, toilets, drinking water facilities, and boundary walls, as well as the provision of free textbooks, uniforms, and teaching-learning materials. SSA also supports teacher training to enhance pedagogical skills and encourages the use of innovative teaching methods, including activity-based learning, to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. Special focus is given to bridge courses for out-of-school children and alternative education centres for children who cannot attend formal schools, ensuring no child is left behind. Complementing SSA, the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) plays a critical role in promoting elementary education by addressing child nutrition and school attendance simultaneously. Introduced on a national scale in 1995, the scheme provides free meals to children in primary and upper primary schools. This initiative has significantly contributed to reducing dropout rates, improving enrollment, and enhancing the learning capabilities of students, particularly those from economically weaker sections. The mid-day meal not only incentivizes attendance but also improves the overall health and concentration levels of children, creating a conducive learning environment. To further consolidate literacy efforts, the