Andhra urges not to reduce Central support to SSA

New Delhi, Dec 19 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh today appealed not to reduce the central support to Sarva Siksha Abhiyan from 75 per cent to 50 per cent as the step was bound to hurt the weaker sections of society.

Speaking at the National Development Council meeting here Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy said the literacy rate in the State by the end of the eleventh plan was likely to be 75 per cent, but the performance among SC/ST groups, especially in rural areas would be even less.

''Therefore, to achieve the lofty goal of SSA, the momentum of the Tenth Plan have to continue even beyond the Eleventh Plan.

He said as Substantial resources of the state are tied down to irrigation, power and agriculture, it is my humble request to the Prime Minister to keep 75 per cent contribution by the Centre absolutely intact.

''It is a must. Any reduction in central support would only harm rural children-especially from Sc/ST communities.

The state contribution of 25 per cent is quite reasonable and shall continue till education for all becomes a reality'', Mr Reddy asserted.

UNI