Source: The Hindu
Under the Union Education Ministry’s Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal got no funding until March 27 of the fiscal year 2024–2025. According to the Minister, monies had not yet been issued despite the three states having received allocations of Rs. 328.9 crore, Rs. 2151.6 crore, and Rs. 1745.8 crore, respectively.
Since funds were halted because the Tamil Nadu government refused to sign an MOU on the construction of PM-SHRI schools and follow the three-language formula under the new National Education Policy, the two governments have been at odds.
Data presented in the Upper House indicates that Rs. 27.833.5 crores of the Rs. 45,830.21 crores allotted for 36 States and Union Territories were disbursed until March 27. The greatest amount, Rs. 6971.26 crores, went to Uttar Pradesh, of which Rs. 4487.46 crores have been released thus far.
Based on the rate of expenditure and the receipt of a corresponding State contribution, the funds were released. updated expenditure statement, statement on outstanding advances, audited accounting, and audited utilization certificate from prior years.
RTE reimbursements, teacher wages, and student transportation in rural areas are all being negatively impacted by the withholding of payments.
Model Question:
“Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is a significant step towards achieving equitable and inclusive school education in India.” Critically examine the objectives and components of the scheme, and evaluate its impact on the quality of education.
Model Answer:
The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), launched in 2018, is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at ensuring equitable, inclusive, and holistic school education from pre-primary to Class XII. By subsuming earlier schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education, it seeks to bridge systemic gaps and promote quality learning outcomes.
Objectives and Key Components:
- Holistic Approach to Education: Integrates all stages of school education (Pre-school to Senior Secondary). Focuses on seamless learning without compartmentalization.
- Equity and Inclusion: Special provisions for girls, SC/ST students, and children with special needs (CWSN). Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) upgraded to Class XII.
- Quality Improvement: Emphasis on learning outcomes, teacher training, and innovative pedagogy. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) under NIPUN Bharat.
- Digital Initiatives: Integration of DIKSHA platform and ICT labs. Smart classrooms and digital content delivery.
- Infrastructure Development: Building and upgrading school infrastructure including toilets, libraries, labs.
- Teacher Education and Support: Focus on continuous professional development through online/offline modes.
Impact on Education:
Positive Aspects:
- Helped reduce dropout rates and improve Gross Enrollment Ratios (GER), especially in secondary education.
- Encouraged use of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Enabled decentralized planning with School Development Plans (SDPs).
Challenges and Criticisms:
- Learning outcomes remain below desired levels as per NAS and ASER reports.
- Teacher vacancies, especially in rural and remote areas, persist.
- Digital divide hampers equitable access to e-learning tools.
- Implementation varies widely across states, leading to uneven progress.
While Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan represents a paradigm shift in the approach to school education by focusing on integration, equity, and quality, its success hinges on effective implementation, adequate funding, and collaborative federal efforts. Bridging infrastructural gaps, investing in teacher capacity, and addressing socio-economic barriers are crucial to realizing its vision of “Sabko Shiksha, Achhi Shiksha”.
