Question : REVIEW OF SSA

(a) whether the Government reviews/ monitors performance of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and if so, the details thereof along with the out come of the latest review, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether instances of alleged irregularities in the implementation of the scheme in some States have come to the notice of the Government and if so, the details of such cases reported during the last three years, State/UT-wise;

(c) the details of funds allocated/utilized under the scheme during the said period, State-wise;

(d) whether some States have requested for allocation of more funds and increase in coverage of SSA in their States and if so, the details thereof and the action taken/ being taken in this regard, State/UT-wise; and

(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government for effective implementation of SSA?

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

(a) SSA has an inbuilt concurrent evaluation and monitoring system. It is reviewed twice every year by a Joint Review Mission (JRM) comprising independent experts and members of external funding agencies, covering all States by rotation. In addition 38 Monitoring Institutions assess implementation of the SSA programme in the districts, and every district is assessed within a cycle of two years. Annual audit is conducted by the Chartered Accountants empanelled with the Comptroller Accountant General (CAG). An independent concurrent financial review is also undertaken to cover all States within two years. Component wise quarterly reviews, an annual Educational Management Information System (EMIS) and regular meetings with State officials are also held to ensure effective implementation of the programme. The Status of these evaluations and monitoring is placed in the public domain on the Ministry’s website.

(b) Some instances of irregularities in the last three years that have come to light under the SSA programme are at Annexure-I.

(c) to (e) The Central Government provides funds under the SSA programme to States, based on the approved Annual Work Plans and Budgets (AWP&B), which are appraised based on the performance of State and availability of Central funds. The State’s outlay is finalised only after detailed discussion with the State concerned. State–wise funds released and expenditure under SSA for the last three years, is at Annexure-II. Government of India reviews progress of imple- mentation of SSA, with the State Education Secretaries on a regular basis.