Centre woos to set up new schools in deficit areas

New Delhi, Mar 12 (ANI): The Union Government on Friday said the centrally sponsored scheme Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) launched in 2009 envisages setting up of new secondary schools in deficit areas.

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development D. Purandeswari said the government envisages strengthening of infrastructure in existing Government secondary schools.

She informed the House that Rs.20.120 crore has been allocated for the scheme during 11th Plan. The budget provision (revised estimate) for 2009-10 is Rs. 550 crore.

"No predetermined state wise allocation is made, and central assistance to State Governments is based on appraisal of their annual plan proposals," Purandeswari added.

The scheme is implemented by the State Governments. The school level interventions are monitored by School Management and Development Committees (SMDC) having representations from parents, local bodies and officials of the Education Department of the State Government. (ANI)