Question : Funds for SSA and RMSA

(a) whether it is true that the Government plans to improve the reach of education at the school level
for children from classes 1 to 10 by merging two schemes meant to guarantee universal education and
if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether it is also true that funds allocated for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamik
Shiksha Abhiyan were not being utilized properly and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) whether it is also true that the States can utilize the funds meant for the above schemes for the
other older children and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI UPENDRA KUSHWAHA)

(a): In pursuance of the announcement in the Union Budget, 2018-19, to treat school education
holistically without segmentation from pre-nursery to Class 12, this Department has prepared a
proposal on an Integrated Scheme on School Education by subsuming the three Centrally Sponsored
Schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and
Teacher Education (TE). States have already been advised to integrate the administrative structures at
various levels created for SSA and RMSA in the States and UTs to achieve productive synergies,
better co-ordination and enhanced focus on improvement in quality of education.
(b): No, Madam. To ensure effective utilization of funds under SSA and RMSA, there are robust
monitoring systems in place to review the physical and financial progress of approved interventions
through monthly/quarterly reports, annual audit by independent Chartered Accountants empanelled
with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, a regular CAG audit, a system of
concurrent financial reviews, as well as regular internal audit and regular Review Meetings with all
States/UTs are held for monitoring the optimum utilization of funds.
(c): The annual plans under the SSA and RMSA are prepared by the States and UTs based on
their requirements and priority. These plans are then appraised and approved/estimated in consultation
with the States and UTs as per the programmatic and financial norms of the schemes and availability
of budgetary resources. The expenditure under the schemes is incurred as per the approved plans.
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