Question : OPENING OF SCHOOLS

(a) the number of primary and upper primary schools sanctioned/opened under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) during the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;

(b) the number of proposals received/ approved under these schemes during the said period, State and location-wise;

(c) the details of funds allocated, released and spent under these schemes during the said period, State/UT-wise;

(d) whether more than 50 per cent of funds allocated under SSA are utilized on salary etc. of teachers and staff and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to ensure that the funds are utilized properly for providing basic facilities in these schools?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a): The number of primary schools and upper primary schools sanctioned under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) during 2011-12 to 2014-15 and number of secondary schools sanctioned under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), State-wise are at Annexure-I & Annexure-II respectively.

(b): All State Governments & Union Territories present their Annual Work Plans under SSA & RMSA respectively, which are appraised by the Government of India based on their performance, requirements and funds available, before approvals are accorded by the Central Government’s, Project Approval Board, in which the respective State/UT Government also participate.

(c): The details of funds released and expenditure incurred under SSA and RMSA, State-wise during the last three years and the current year, till date are at Annexure-III & IV respectively.

(d): Yes, Madam. The percentage of funds allocated under salary head has increased from 38.64% in 2012-13 to 56.14% in 2014-15.

(e): For effective implementation of SSA, a rigorous monitoring system is in place, which includes inter-alia, annual financial audits by Chartered Accountants empanelled by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Concurrent financial audits, periodic review meetings with State SSA Finance Controllers, field level monitoring through reputed Social Sciences Institutes and university’s Departments of Education, as also independent Joint Review Missions to assess programme progress.