The centrally sponsored scheme Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) launched in March, 2009, inter-alia, envisages setting up of new secondary schools in deficit areas and strengthening of infrastructure in existing Government secondary schools. Rs.20.120 crore has been allocated for the scheme during 11th Plan. The budget provision (revised estimate) for 2009-10 is Rs. 550 crore. No predetermined state wise allocation is made, and central assistance to State Governments is based on appraisal of their annual plan proposals.

The scheme is implemented by the State Governments. The school level interventions are monitored by School Management & Development Committees (SMDC) having representations from parents, local bodies and officials of the Education Department of the State Government.

National Literacy Mission (NLM) was launched in 1988 to import functional literacy to non-literates in the age group of 15-35 in a time bound manner. By the end of 10th Plan period, NLM had made 127.45 million persons literate of which, 60% learners were females. 23 per cent belonged to SCs and 12 per cent of STs. Despite significant accomplishments, 2001 census revealed that there were still 304 million illiterates in the country and gender, social and regional disparities in literacy continued to persist.

To raise literacy level and bridge disparities, the Government, on 8th September, 2009, have launched a new variant of National Literacy Mission, namely Saakshar Bharat, with special focus on female literacy. The new Mission aims to impart literacy to 70 million non-literate adults including 60 million women and 10 million men. Such districts that have female literacy rate of 50 per cent or below will be covered under the Scheme. In the year 2009-10, the Mission has been rolled out in 167 districts in 19 States.

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