Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)

Source:  TH

Context: A Parliamentary Standing Committee has urged the Education Ministry to release over ₹4,000 crore in pending Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal.

• The panel said it is unjustified to link SSA funding with a state’s decision to not sign the PM SHRI MoU.

About Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA):

• What is SSA?

• • SSA is a centrally sponsored umbrella scheme aimed at integrated school education from pre-school to Class 12.

• Launched in: 2018, by merging three schemes – Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education.
• Implemented by: Ministry of Education, Government of India.
• Budget Allocation:

• • Fund sharing:
    • 90:10 for North-Eastern & Himalayan States
    • 60:40 for other States
    • 100% for UTs without Legislature

• Objectives of SSA:

• • Improve school effectiveness and learning outcomes
  • Ensure universal access, equity, and quality in school education
  • Fulfil the mandate of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009
  • Enhance vocationalisation, teacher education, and use of technology

• Key Features of SSA:

• • Holistic approach to education from pre-primary to Class 12.
  • One strategic district-level plan for education development.
  • Prioritisation of aspirational districts, LWE-affected areas, and Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs).
  • Focus on the 2 Ts – Teachers and Technology.
  • Aligned with SDG 4: Quality, inclusive, and equitable education by 2030.

About PM SHRI Schools – Model School Initiative:

• What is PM SHRI?

• • A flagship model school scheme aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

• Launched in: 2022-23, by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
• Aim: To develop 14,500 model schools that serve as exemplars of quality education, reflecting NEP 2020 principles.
• Key Features of PM SHRI Scheme:

• • Schools to offer inclusive, equitable and joyful learning environments
  • Integration of modern technology, multilingual teaching, and green infrastructure
  • Focus on critical thinking, experiential learning, and foundational literacy
  • The Scheme is proposed to be implemented over a period of 5 years w.e.f. 2022-23 to 2026-27.
  • Participation requires MoU signing between Centre and State