Question : IMPROVEMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION

(a) whether the Government has recently approved a scheme of Rs. 115 crore for improvement in school education in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the State Governments are proposed to be involved in the scheme; and

(d) if so, the likely share of various States particularly Himachal Pradesh in this scheme?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI M.A.A. FATMI)

(a) to (d): A composite centrally sponsored scheme called “Quality Improvement in Schools” has been approved by Government in November, 2005 by converging the following five existing schemes of the Department as its components:

(i) Improvement of Science Education in Schools;

(ii) Environmental Orientation to School Education;

(iii) Introduction of Yoga in Schools;

(iv) National Population Education Project; and

(v) International Science Olympiads.

It has been decided to transfer the component “Improvement of Science Education in Schools” to the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations as a State Sector Scheme. The States/UTs shall make provision for the scheme in their budgets as per their requirements.

It has also been decided that the other four components, would be implemented by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), an autonomous body under the Department of Secondary & Higher Education, from 2006-07. It has been decided to delete hostel and other construction activities from the list of items for financing under the component “Introduction of Yoga in Schools”. The schemes of ‘Environmental Orientation to School Education’ and ‘Introduction of Yoga in Schools’ are implemented through State Governments / UT Administrations and voluntary agencies. The National Population Education Project is being implemented in 30 States and Union Territories, including Himachal Pradesh, by the State Councils of Educational Research and Training / State Institutes of Education on behalf of their respective Departments of Education. State- wise allocations are not made under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme and each proposal is considered based on its merit.