CAG report raps implementation of the SSA in Rajasthan

Jaipur, Mar 18 (UNI) The latest report (2005) of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) raps the lopsided implementation of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in the state.

According to the report, the achievement of the objective to enroll all children in school was below target. Similarly targets relating to providing infrastructure facilities to schools were not fully fulfilled. Zero rejection policy in case of children with special needs was also not achieved. Besides the teacher pupil ratio was also not maintained.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, a centrally sponsored scheme, is being implemented in the state from 2001-02 in all the districts of the state to cover elementary education by laying special emphasis on enrolment, retention and quality education in primary and upper primary schools.

The report pointed out that ''funds were not made available as per the Annual Work Plan during 2001-05 under review. Out of the funds given to seven test checked districts during 2002-05, Rs 5.67 crore were lying unutilised as of March 2005. In 21 blocks and 115 School Development and management committees Rs 2.92 crore were lying unutilised as on March 2005''.

Besdies advances made during 2002-04 amounting to Rs 32.55 crore were pending adjustment for want of expenditure statemnts utilisation certificates.

The report noted the teacher pupil ratio in primary schools during 2001-05 in six of the test checked districts ranged between 1:43 and 1:106 as against the stipulated ratio of 1:40.

The report concluded that ''financial management of the programme in the state was deficit as there were cases of excess charging of SSA funds and irregular and non adjustment of advances released to field implementing agencies''.

UNI