The recent disclosure in the Lok Sabha about the substantial allocation to the Samagra Shiksha component in J&K and Ladakh bears testimony to the Centre’s resolve to give impetus to education in the Union Territories.
With J&K getting Rs 40,844.38 lakh and Ladakh Rs 33,556.09 lakh for the last three financial years plus this year, it is clear that human resource development in the two regions enjoys the central government’s priority attention.
It is heartening to note that a rich portion of this money is being directed towards elementary education as the Union Ministry of Education, through the Project Approval Board, is ensuring that the annual plans of the states and Union Territories concerning their needs are approved to give a fillip to education.
These funds will contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir Ladakh.
The funds allocated to Ladakh seem to have been chalked keeping in view the difficulties of the terrain in mind as over Rs 33,556.09 lakh have been approved for the Union Territory facing daunting altitudes.
The amount demonstrates the government’s thrust on education for imparting knowledge to the people in the far-off reaches of the country facing daunting geographical challenges.
It is also gratifying that the government is taking all steps to make the best possible utilisation of the sizeable chunk of money being pumped into the system by announcing the setting up of a Vidya Samiksha Kendra for monitoring the implementation of the Samagra Shiksha scheme.
The amount being allocated for the scheme bears testimony to the government’s resolve to harness the potential of the youth of the country by providing them with quality education.
It will be instrumental in laying the foundation for a progressive society as the children in the farthest reaches will get the necessary schooling.
By declaring the details before the Parliament, the government has demonstrated its transparency in the spending of public money on education and development.
It is an eloquent reminder that the government is keen that the considerable sum of money being poured into the system bears dividends in terms of improved education infrastructure and learning metrics in J&K and Ladakh.
