Belated implementation of SSA in MP

Bhopal, July 28: The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan aimed at imparting elementary education to all children in the 6-14 year age group by 2010 is being implemented in a tardy manner in Madhya Pradesh with its delayed start and diversion of funds for other purposes, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) said.

''The objective of the programme to bring all children in school by 2005 was not achieved as there were 2.72 lakh children out of school at the end of 2005-06'', said the CAG report (Civil) of Madhya Pradesh government for 2005-06, which was presented in the Assembly on Thursday.

Funds aggregating Rs 17.95 crore were diverted for adult education, printing of middle and primary board examination's paper, printing of educational calendar, honorarium to Shiksha Karmi Grade III, purchase of vehicles, prize to village education committees and for purchase of state project office building, the report said.

''Shortage of 43,821 teachers affected pupil-teacher ratio.

Unnecessary procurement of duplicating machines, furniture and other material worth Rs 1.82 crore was made out of SSA fund'', it pointed out.

Review of the programme implementation revealed that the annual work plan and budget for years 2001-02 and 2002-03 was submitted with excessive delay which delayed the approval and release of funds. Resultantly, the activities could not be taken up in 2001-02 and only 50 percent work could be completed next year. Progress of civil works was very slow, the report said.

UNI