PANAJI
Goa has lost access to nearly 28 per cent of the total funds approved by the Centre under the Samagra Shiksha scheme over the past four years due to delays in submitting utilisation certificates and audit reports, and for failing to comply with the scheme’s prescribed guidelines.
According to details placed before the Rajya Sabha, the Centre sanctioned Rs 112.62 crore for Goa under the centrally sponsored Samagra Shiksha programme since 2022–23. However, the State received only Rs 81.10 crore, with the remaining Rs 31.52 crore withheld owing to non-adherence to mandatory conditions under the scheme.
The data shows that Goa managed to secure its full sanctioned allocation only in 2022–23, when it received the entire Rs 29.86 crore approved for that year. In the following financial year, 2023–24, the State received Rs 18.75 crore against a sanctioned amount of Rs 30.78 crore.
A similar shortfall continued in 2024–25. Of the Rs 24.27 crore approved as per the Annual Work Plan and Budget, only Rs 16.34 crore was released by the Centre. In the current financial year as well, the trend has persisted, with Rs 16.15 crore released so far against a sanctioned allocation of Rs 27.71 crore.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan explained that the release of the Centre’s share is contingent upon the submission of utilisation certificates and audit reports for previously released funds, along with physical and financial progress reports, the State’s matching contribution, and strict compliance with scheme norms.
Pradhan informed Parliament that the Samagra Shiksha scheme provides financial assistance to all States and Union Territories for various components, including teachers’ salaries, mid-day meals, information technology initiatives, smart classrooms and other educational interventions.
He further stated that annual plans under the scheme are prepared by States based on their priorities and requirements and are incorporated into the respective Annual Work Plan and Budget. These plans are subsequently examined and approved by the Project Approval Board in consultation with the States and Union Territories, in line with the programme’s financial and operational guidelines.
