Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to be unveiled soon

Naina Mishra

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 17

The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, an integrated scheme of Centrally sponsored Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhayamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE) is all set to be implemented in the state.

Textbooks for all

A provision has been made to provide textbooks to all students in government and government aided schools at an average cost of Rs 250 per child at primary and Rs 400 per child at upper primary level. Besides, an incentive for reusing the textbooks would also be given to students who would opt for it.

State to reimburse EWS admission under RTE

As per Section 12(1)(c) of Right to Education (RTE), private schools have to maintain 25 per cent admission for economically weaker sections (EWS). The reimbursement needs to be provided for admission of EWS students in neighbourhood private unaided schools by the state. A transparent system of admissions and monitoring system for such admissions would be introduced in the state.

Special training for OOSC

A special training facility for out-of-school children to enable a child, admitted to an age-appropriate class, to integrate academically and emotionally with the rest of the class. Up to Rs 6,000 per child is being provided annualy for non-residential courses whereas Rs 20,000 per child is being provided every year for residential courses. At present, there are four residential special training centres being run at Patiala, Jalandhar, Bathinda and Ferozepur.

Self-defence training for girls

Rs 3,000 per month would be given to each school for providing self-defence training to girls studying in Class VI to XII.

Providing sports equipment

Sports equipment would be provided under sports and physical education component. Amount of up to Rs 5,000 for primary school, Rs 10,000 for upper primary and Rs 25,000 for secondary and senior secondary government schools has been proposed.

Director General School Education, Prashant Goyal said, “There are many components under the scheme. We have selected some components depending on the need like free textbooks to students, self-defence training for girls, hostel facilities, etc. Under selective funds, we have proposed innovative activities, including solar panels and smart classrooms. The listing of the activities that have been approved by the Project Approval Board would be released shortly.”

Know the scheme

• The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan scheme would be implemented by the Education Department through state implementation society from pre-primary to senior secondary level. 
• It would cover all children from 4 to 18 years in the state. 
• The fund sharing pattern for the scheme between the Centre and state is 60:40.