Parliamentary Panel Criticizes Halt of SSA Funds over PM-SHRI Scheme Disputes

A parliamentary panel has condemned the blocking of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds for states that have not adopted the PM-SHRI scheme. They recommend releasing the pending grants, highlighting concerns over educational impacts in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, which face funding delays and issued calls for equitable allocations.

The blocking of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds to states that have not accepted the PM-SHRI schools scheme is being criticized by a parliamentary panel. On Wednesday, the panel urged the central government to release the grants to states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

The panel, led by Congress member Digvijay Singh, argues that withholding SSA funds over non-implementation of the PM-SHRI and National Education Policy (NEP) unfairly penalizes these states. The withholding affects educational resources, with Tamil Nadu having more than Rs 2,100 crore held back due to NEP disagreements.

The panel's report emphasizes that SSA should not be tied to the acceptance of PM-SHRI, as the SSA predates PM-SHRI and focuses on fulfilling the Right to Education Act mandates. The report recommends an amicable resolution and the immediate release of funds to prevent further educational disruption.

(With inputs from agencies.)