Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and six other states having literacy levels less than the national average will get enhanced Central share under the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan. The Planning Commission has given its approval to a proposal to this effect. According to HRD Ministry officials,Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will also be included along with the northeastern states. The proposal has to be vetted by the National Development Council before coming into effect.

The Sarva Siksha Abhiyan is the government's flagship programme for achievement of universalisation of elementary education in a time-bound manner.The programme seeks to open new schools in those areas which do not have such facilities and strengthen existing
infrastructure through provision of additional classrooms, toilets, drinking water, aintenance grant and school improvement grants.