Implementation of Central Govt Sponsored Educational Schemes in UP

The HRD Minister, who is on a one day visit to Lalitpur and Jhansi, reviewed the implementation of the Central Government sponsored Educational schemes.

Dr. M.M.Pallam Raju inquired about Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, Saakshar Bharat Progamme and working of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan as well as Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti.

He was informed that sanctions for the seven districts of the Bundelkhand region of U.P. were eight and a half per cent of the total SSA budget of the state in the current year which is about nine thousand crore rupees and the Centre's contribution is more than 5 thousand crore rupees.

The recruitment of teachers continues to be a major challenge to fulfill the target set under the RTE Act. Sixteen girls' hostels have been sanctioned including five in Jhansi and three in Lalitpur districts. On setting up of Model Schools in the educationally backward blocks, the Ministry has already sanctioned 18 model schools and proposal for another 11 schools are under the Ministry's active consideration.

Bundelkhand area in UP has 41 blocks listed as EBBs and remaining 7 blocks are non EBBs. On the status of Kendriya Vidyalayas in the region, he was informed that only 4 of the 7 KVs are functional.

On the Mid Day Meal Scheme, the Minister was informed that 47% of primary schools and 52% of upper primary schools are not covered under the Scheme. It was also realized that better inspection and community involvement is needed.

The Minister also reviewed the status of schemes of Technology Enabled Learning Bureau in the region in Uttar Pradesh, including implementation of National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology.

Earlier, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju laid the foundation stone of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Lalitpur. Presently, the Vidyalaya is functioning in temporary accommodation provided by the sponsoring authority.

The land was given only 9 months back to the Sangathan. Speaking on the occasion Dr Pallam Raju said that the Centre and the State has to work together to reap rich demographic dividend. He said that under the SSA, the Centre has allocated a substantial amount of money to the State Governments to build infrastructure but quality is also a concern.

He further said that there is a dearth of teachers and we have to improve the learning environment. The Minister advocated promotion of vocational skills and said 50 crore youth will be provided training by 2020. The training will be through polytechnics and ITS and the youth will be made industry- ready.

Speaking on the occasion Union Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Pradeep Jain Aditya said a Committee should be set up to find out steps to be taken for skill development through training programmes.

The UP State Basic Education Minister Shri Ram Govind Chaudhary sought regularization of 64000 siksha mitra - teachers on contract in schools.