Telangana delays funds transfer to implement Centre’s education scheme

Sources indicate that the Centre has disbursed the first tranche of Rs 225 crore to the state treasury for the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). However, as of last week, Telangana had only transferred Rs 98 crore of the Centre’s contribution to the Single Nodal Account (SNA) designated for the scheme. Additionally, it was learned that the state transferred only Rs 65 crore, which is less than the Rs 149 crore expected from the state.

According to the revised flow of funds procedure laid down by the Finance Ministry, expenditure for centrally sponsored schemes have to be made from a single account, where the Centre and the state deposit their respective shares. SSA is a key scheme that aims to improve the quality of school education right from primary to higher secondary education. SSA funding covers teacher training, support for infrastructure and transport.

Any delay in the transfer of this share from the state’s side will also have an impact on the utilisation of funds for the scheme. According to a reply given by the Minister of State for Education in the Rajya Sabha in March this year, Telangana has utilised less than 70 per cent of the SSA funds in the last five financial years.

When contacted for a comment, Telangana Education Secretary Vakati Karuna denied any delay on the state’s part. “No, that is not true. Just last week we received Rs 65 crore for Samagra Shiksha and PM schools. The Telangana government is giving us its share regularly,” she told The Indian Express.