(a) whether the Government is aware of the need for drastic changes to teaching as well as the schools in the country to suit the present conditions; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken in this direction during the last three years along with the funds spent during each year and the response received in this regard?
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a) & (b): The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) programmes provide augmentation of funds and flexibility to innovate in the elementary education and secondary sector of education respectively across all States and UTs. A major focus in these programmes is on improving teaching- learning standards, introducing ICT in schools, providing inclusive education and improving learning outcomes. Under the RMSA, a vocational stream has also been introduced from class-IX onwards. An amount of Rs. 20,775.39 crores, Rs. 23,836.55 crores and Rs. 24,735.85 crores were released as the Central share to the States/UTs under the SSA programme in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 (upto 31st October, 2014) respectively. Similarly, under RMSA, Central releases were Rs. 3162.85 crores in 2012-13, Rs. 2565.39 crores in 2013-14 and Rs. 1454.32 crores in 2014-15 (up to 30th September, 2014).