NEW DELHI, Sept 10: The Centre has decided to reduce its share of funding in the flagship Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) programme from 65 per cent to 50 per cent, a move that could trigger strong protest from the states.
The revised funding would be in the 50:50 pattern instead of 65:35.
The scheme, which seeks universalisation of elementary education, has already seen a steep slash in allocation this fiscal, down from Rs 27,758 crore allocated in 2014-15 to Rs 22,000 crore in 2015-16.
Confirming the development, sources said the reduction is on account of higher devolution of taxes to the states following the 14th Finance Commission report.
However, they maintained that the total resources available for the schemes for children will remain unaffected.
The centre-state funding in ratio of 90:10 for the north eastern region would remain unchanged.
Sources feared similar cuts in programmes such as Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan and the flagship Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan, both of whom seek to set standards in secondary and higher secondary education, increase enrolment and reduce drop-out rate.
The Centre had last month also communicated to the states not to reimburse them for unsubsidised LPG cylinders used for Mid-Day Meal scheme and that the cooking gas would be available only at market price, triggering strong protest from the states.
The latest development surrounding the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan programme has raised the voices of opposition with Odisha Education Minister Debi Prasad Mishra threatening to lodge a strong protest with the Union HRD Ministry.
“The state is likely to lose Rs 510 crore under SSA. We will strongly object to the decision of the Ministry of Human Resource Development which reduced the Centre’s share from 65 per cent to 50 per cent”, he said.
Maharashtra Government is also planning to represent the Ministry along with some other states. (PTI)
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