THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has received the first instalment of central funds for the Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) scheme. State General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced Wednesday that Rs 92.41 crore was sanctioned by the Centre. This funding addresses educational needs across the state.
Minister Sivankutty confirmed the received amount comprises recurring funds. These funds are specifically for children under the Right to Education Act (RTE) . The SSK scheme supports the RTE Act, which mandates free and compulsory education for children aged six to fourteen. Minister Sivankutty conveyed this information to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.
Approved and Received Funds
The central government had approved a total of Rs 109 crore for educational purposes in Kerala under the SSK scheme. The state has received Rs 92.41 crore of this approved amount. This ensures continued support for ongoing educational activities.
Funds are categorised into recurring and non-recurring components. Recurring funds cover operational expenses like salaries and learning materials. Non-recurring funds are typically for infrastructure development and construction. The current receipt primarily covers the recurring component, vital for daily school functions.
| Fund Category | Approved Amount (INR) | Amount Received (INR) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recurring Funds (Educational Purposes) | Rs 109 crore | Rs 92.41 crore | Received |
| Non-recurring Funds (Construction) | Rs 17 crore | Rs 0 | Pending |
Outstanding Dues and Arrears
While recurring funds have arrived, significant amounts remain outstanding. Rs 17 crore , allocated as non-recurring funds for construction projects, has not yet reached Kerala. These funds are crucial for upgrading school infrastructure.
Additionally, Minister Sivankutty highlighted substantial pending payments. Kerala is still awaiting Rs 1,158 crore in arrears from the 2023-24 financial year. These long-pending dues impact the state’s ability to fully implement SSK initiatives without relying heavily on its own resources. The delays affect financial planning for state education programs.
Special Educators’ Funding Assurance
A separate financial matter involves funds for special educators. The central government has assured the Supreme Court that it will soon allocate specific SSK funds to Kerala for these appointments. Special educators are vital for supporting differently-abled children within the mainstream education system.
Minister Sivankutty expressed optimism that the Centre would promptly fulfill this assurance. The timely release of these funds is critical for providing specialized support to students with diverse needs. Dedicated educators are essential for achieving the inclusive education goals of the SSK scheme.
The need for special educators follows recommendations from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) . These guidelines establish specific student-to-educator ratios:
- One special educator for every 10 differently-abled children in classes 1 to 5.
- One special educator for every 15 differently-abled students from standard 6 onwards.
Kerala’s education system has a considerable demand for these professionals. Individual schools often do not have enough differently-abled children for a dedicated educator. Therefore, a group of schools is considered a single unit for staffing. This approach projects a requirement for over 4,000 special educators statewide. Meeting this demand requires substantial financial allocation and recruitment.
This issue directly affects approximately 45 lakh children in public schools. The Kerala government currently shoulders the financial burden of the Centre’s share for these appointments. This interim measure ensures services continue despite pending central funds.
Kerala’s Commitment to Funds
Minister Sivankutty reaffirmed the state’s determination to secure its rightful share of central funds. He stated the Kerala government would pursue all necessary avenues to ensure the state receives full financial support for its educational programs. This commitment prioritises resources for Kerala’s student population and educational infrastructure.