NEW DELHI: Non-allocation of funds to states that have not signed MoUs to implement the PM SHRI scheme is unfair, a parliamentary panel has said, recommending that the education ministry reconsider its policy regarding the release of grants under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
The committee on education, women, children, youth and sports, chaired by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, has stressed that no state should be placed at a disadvantage for not implementing NEP or SSA. The non-binding recommendation comes amid the row between Centre and TN over stoppage of Rs 2,152 crore in funds, following the state’s refusal to adopt National Education Policy 2020 and its three-language formula.
Bengal, TN, Kerala, suffering due to fund delays, says panel
The panel acknowledged that 33 out of 36 states and UTs have signed MoUs and are implementing the PM SHRI scheme, which aims at creating uniform assessment and curriculum standards at the national level. However, the committee deemed it unfair to penalise the remaining states by halting SSA grants.
“The committee takes serious note of the non-release of SSA funds to certain states which have not signed MoUs for implementing the PM SHRI scheme. The total pending funds under this scheme are substantial, with over Rs 1,000 crore owed to West Bengal, Rs 859.63 crore to Kerala and Rs 2,152 crore to Tamil Nadu,” said the panel’s report tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The panel said states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Bengal, which boast gross enrolment ratios above the national average, are suffering due to the delayed release of SSA funds.
“Underfunding and delays have constrained advancements in school infrastructure, teacher training, and student support in these states,” the report said.
Tamil Nadu was allocated Rs 3,586 crore for FY 2024-25, with Rs 2,152 crore as the central govt’s share. Because of the TN govt’s refusal to implement NEP, the amount has not been disbursed, severely impacting salaries of teachers, RTE reimbursements and transportation for students in remote areas. The committee recommended immediate release of SSA funds, warning that delays could disrupt school operations and salaries.
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