Question : FUNDS FOR SSA

(a) whether problems are being faced by some States including Rajasthan in getting funds under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) as these States have made enough progress in lower primary and secondary education;

(b) if so, whether the Government proposes to provide assistance for quality upgradation schemes of such States and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether attention has been paid for qualitative and quantitative improvements of higher education in Rajasthan and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has any plans for fulfilling the financial needs of higher education of such States which are not drawing funds under SSA like other States; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) & (b) Central funds under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) programmes are released to States / UTs for implementation of approved activities under Annual Work Plan & Budget (AWP&B) of that State. Releases are contingent upon the pace of expenditure, progress of the implementation of the programme, submission of utilization certificate, release of the matching State share etc. Rs. 1535.20 crore was released to Rajasthan under SSA & Rs. 87.04 crore in RMSA based on above criteria during 2012-13. The SSA supports quality interventions like inter alia teachers` salary, free text books, training of teachers and academic support to them through BRCs and CRCs, teaching learning equipment for new primary and upper primary schools, school grants etc. Under RMSA also inter alia teachers salary, teacher training, ICT in school is provided. In addition, funds are provided to States under the centrally sponsored scheme of Teacher education for teacher education development.

(c) to (e) The Government has approved a new Central Sector Scheme in January, 2010 with Central government funding for establishment of one model degree college in each of the 374 identified educational backward districts having a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) lower than the national GER for higher education. 30 such districts have been identified in the State of Rajasthan.