Question : Free Elementary Education in Karnataka

(a) whether the State Government of Karnataka has set a proposal to the Government to extend financial assistance to the children between 6-14 years for providing elementary education and free books and stationery items to students from poor families;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard along with the amount allocated for the purpose during the last three years; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to ensure that Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan achieves its goals in the State?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)


(a) & (b) : The States and UTs submit their proposals through Annual Work Plan & Budget (AWP&B) under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) every year. SSA aims to universalize access to elementary education to all children, including the children from poor families, by providing financial support to State/UTs for free textbooks, uniforms and for the creation of school infrastructure etc., as per the norms and standards specified in the SSA Framework. The details on approvals by Project Approval Board (PAB) and release of central share to Karnataka during the last three years are given below:-
<pre>
(Rs. in Crore)
Year PAB approval (including State share) Release
2013-14 1182.16 653.71
2014-15 1336.96 662.13
2015-16 1545.81 417.59
</pre>

(c) : Since inception of SSA programme in 2001-02, Karnataka has been sanctioned 3740 new primary schools, 16 new upper primary schools, 56654 additional classrooms, 29057 teacher posts, 22861 drinking water facilities, 27365 boys toilets, 24683 girls toilets and 2804 toilets for Children with Special Needs (CWSN). Out of these, 3738 primary schools, 11 upper primary schools, 56654 additional classrooms, recruitment of 24274 teacher posts, 22861 drinking water facilities, 24619 boys toilets, 22820 girls toilets and 2804 CWSN toilets have been completed as on 31.12.2015.


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