A shocking new report has exposed a massive gap in our education system’s funding, with billions of rupees allocated for schools going unspent. This revelation from a parliamentary committee raises serious questions about the future of student resources and school development.
- Just 55% of the budget for the largest school education scheme, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, has been utilized.
- Critical mid-day meal funds under the PM-POSHAN scheme have been withheld from states like West Bengal.
- The committee has urged for faster release of new NCERT textbooks and targeted plans to reduce high student dropout rates.
A Crisis of Unspent Funds
According to the latest parliamentary report, the Department of School Education and Literacy has utilized only about 60% of its revised budget for major schemes this financial year. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), the backbone of public schooling that supports everything from teacher salaries to new classrooms, saw a staggering underutilization, with nearly half its budget untouched just weeks before the financial year’s end. This shortfall directly impacts the implementation of the Right to Education Act.
Impact on Students and Schools
The consequences of this financial bottleneck are being felt in classrooms nationwide. The report highlights that the PM-POSHAN scheme, which provides essential mid-day meals to millions of children, has also suffered. For instance, West Bengal has not received its share of funds for over a year, potentially affecting student nutrition and attendance. Furthermore, the committee expressed concern over the persistent high dropout rates in several states, recommending urgent, district-specific intervention plans to keep students in school.
Calls for Urgent Action
In response to these findings, the parliamentary panel has issued strong recommendations. They have called on the NCERT to expedite the release of new textbooks for Classes 9-12, which have been delayed. The committee also emphasized the need to resolve funding disputes with states swiftly and improve the fund-release mechanism to ensure money reaches schools on time. As students and educators await these changes, the report serves as a critical reminder of the need for efficient financial management to build a stronger education system for all.