Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Even as the Kerala government accuses the Centre of withholding funds, serious lapses have emerged in the utilisation of funds already allotted to Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK).

During the tenure of the current government, the Centre has released funds for only three years and in each of those years, the state utilised only about half of the approved project allocation, according to official data.

Additionally, SSK has increasingly become a posting ground for leaders of pro-government teachers’ unions on deputation, creating a significant salary burden on the programme.

Administrative failures

Under the scheme, the Centre bears 60% of the cost while the state contributes 40%. Funds are released by the Centre in instalments after the state allocates its share. Any delay or shortfall in the state’s contribution results in the Centre withholding subsequent instalments.

Moreover, the next instalment from the Centre is released only after the state submits a utilisation report for the previous one. Delays in the submission of these reports have further hampered fund flow and spending efficiency, contributing to the poor utilisation record.

Salary burden

The scheme requires ₹20 crore every month just to cover salaries. Implementation is carried out through Block Resource Centres (BRCs), each of which has four senior teachers on deputation. District centres also have five deputed teachers each.

Around 6,000 special educators and specialist teachers working under the programme are on a temporary basis, and their salaries must also be paid from the Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) fund.

Currently, even teachers who hold regular government appointments but are serving on deputation receive their salaries from SSK funds. While the presence of teachers is essential for the programme, the state has not explored the option of utilising them through work arrangement systems that could reduce the burden. In most centres, the deputed personnel are leaders of pro-government teachers’ unions, further contributing to the financial strain on the scheme.

Expenditure

2021–22

  • Centre-approved project allocation: Rs 733.63 crores
  • Amount spent: Rs 390.53 crores
  • Central share for the year: Rs 440.17 crores
  • Amount received: Rs 225.12 crores

2022–23

  • Centre-approved project allocation: Rs 758.64 crores
  • Amount spent: Rs 381.24 crores
  • Central share for the year: Rs 455.18 crores
  • Amount received: Rs 178.15 crores

2023–24

  • Centre-approved project allocation: Rs 702.71 crores
  • Amount spent: Rs 429.94 crores
  • Central share for the year: Rs 421.62 crores
  • Amount received: Rs 141.05 crores