Basically a Portuguese colony, the Dadra and Nagar Haveli received recognition as Union Territory in the year 1961. Since the day of its establishment as a union territory, progress in education scenario of this place was happening at a quite slow rate. According to available data of 1983- 84, there were only 13 pre primary schools where 562 children were enrolled in total. But the Indian government and administrative department of this place realized that if immediate attention is not provided to develop the educational scenario then complete development in all sectors is not possible. Due to this attention, the whole backdrop started changing and as per result by 2000, rate of literacy of this place enhanced to a significant level. According to latest information available, there are almost 200 schools which are helping to increase rate of education in this place and at the same time also offering primary and elementary education to students.

In the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, free education is provided to all students up to higher secondary level, free mid-day meals are provided to all students up to elementary education; free notebooks/text-books and other educational materials are being supplied to all Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe students. Besides the above, incentives, cash awards for punctual attendance and reimbursement of examination fees paid by Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe students, grant of cash awards to talented students as post-matric scholarships to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes Students as also to lower income group are being provided.

The Adult Education Programme was launched in the Union Territory in the year 1978-79 with 30 Centres comprising 1333 adult trainees. During the year 1983-84, the number of centres, has reached the figure 62 and the number of trainees 1877. Necessary attention is also paid to Physical education and other co-curricular activities. Under the UNICEF project viz. Primary education curriculum and renewal and developmental activities on community education and participation has been started. According to the census of 2001, the literacy rate of the UT has been found to be 60.03% which has a rise of 19% on the census of 1991.

Administration

Education Officer (District Panchayat)
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Silvassa
Phone: 0260-2642942

Educational Institutions

S.No.	Institutes	Total No.
1.	Schools (Inc Middle, Secondary and Higher Secondary)	215
2.	Social Welfare Hostels	15
3.	Libraries	10
4.	Industrial Training Institute	1
5.	Colleges	1