The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is the Government of India's flagship programme for the achievement of Universalization of Elementary Education (UEE) in a time-bound manner. It is mandated by the 86th Amendment to the Constitution of India, which made free and compulsory education to children between the ages of 6 and 14 a Fundamental Right.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The primary objective of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is to provide useful and relevant elementary education to all children in the 6-14 age group. It aims to bridge social, regional, and gender gaps with the active participation of the community in the management of schools.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The scheme focuses specifically on elementary education (primary and upper primary levels). It does not deal with higher education in universities. Higher education is governed by bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC) and falls under different schemes (e.g., Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan).
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: SSA is a nationwide intervention implemented in partnership with State Governments. It covers the entire country, including rural areas, remote habitations, and urban slums, rather than being restricted to metropolitan cities.
Key Takeaway:
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is dedicated to the Universalization of Elementary Education for children aged 6–14 years across the entire country, operationalizing the constitutional guarantee under Article 21A.