Over 2.20 crore learners registered for ULLAS scheme so far: Education ministry tells Lok Sabha

NEW DELHI: The central government is continuing the implementation of the Samagra Shiksha scheme, a centrally sponsored initiative for school education. The government has implemented the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), known as ULLAS, to provide education to non-literates aged 15 years and above. Over 2.2 crore learners and 40 lakh volunteer teachers have registered on the ULLAS App, minister of state education, Jayant Chaudhary informed.

The Samagra Shiksha scheme is designed to provide ‘holistic’ education from pre-primary to Class 12, ensuring access to quality education for all children. The NILP initiative, running from 2022-23 to 2026-27, aims to promote literacy among those who missed formal schooling. The Samagra Shiksha initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and focuses on creating an ‘inclusive and equitable’ learning environment.

The education budget for 2025-26 has seen a significant increase in funding for Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. The planned expenditure for the Samagra Shiksha scheme has risen from Rs 37,010 crore in the previous year to Rs 41,250 crore, marking an 11.46% increase.

Under Samagra Shiksha, financial assistance is provided to states and union territories for various educational initiatives. This includes free uniforms and textbooks for elementary students, reimbursement under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, and the development of teaching-learning materials. Additionally, funds are allocated for special training for out-of-school children, residential and non-residential training, transport facilities, and bilingual teaching materials.

Infrastructure and school development

The Samagra Shiksha scheme also supports the establishment and strengthening of schools up to the senior secondary level. It includes funding for constructing school buildings, additional classrooms, hostels, science labs, computer rooms, and digital interventions.

Special provisions have been made for improving educational infrastructure in northern border areas under the Vibrant Village Programme and for constructing hostels for marginalized groups under various government initiatives.

Support for CwSN

Samagra Shiksha provides financial support for children with special needs (CwSN). This includes identification and assessment, aids and appliances, braille kits, and stipends for girl students with disabilities. The government has introduced the Prashast App for early screening of CwSN and is conducting teacher capacity-building programs through NISHTHA to improve inclusive education.

Samagra Shiksha Scheme: Fund allocation

Jayant Chaudhary explained that, states and Union Territories formulate annual plans based on their priorities, which may include infrastructure development and teacher salary support. These plans are incorporated into their respective Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B) proposals. The Project Approval Board (PAB) in the Department of School Education & Literacy then reviews and approves them in coordination with the States and UTs, considering the scheme's financial and programmatic norms as well as the state's progress on previously approved initiatives.

No SSA funds for Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu

As of January 31, 2025, no funds under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan have been disbursed to Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. The issue was raised by MPs Bharti Pardhi, Dharmendra Yadav, and Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne. In December 2024, reports indicated that Kerala had faced a withholding of Rs 953 crore in SSA funds due to its non-implementation of the PM SHRI scheme. Kerala’s education minister, V Sivankutty, has criticized the central government for allegedly using SSA funds as leverage to enforce the PM SHRI scheme.

Samagra Shiksha: Tamil Nadu’s appeal for fund release

Last year, Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin urged PM Narendra Modi to expedite the release of pending Samagra Shiksha funds. Stalin pointed out that the first installment for 2024-25, amounting to Rs 573 crore, had not been disbursed despite the state submitting proposals in April 2024. Additionally, Rs 249 crore from the previous year remained unpaid. He emphasized the necessity of timely fund release to support teachers' salaries and educational programs.

Digital initiatives to bridge educational gaps

To bridge the rural-urban education divide, digital initiatives such as ICT labs, smart classrooms, PM e-Vidya, DIKSHA, and SWAYAM PRABHA DTH-TV Channels are being supported under Samagra Shiksha. These efforts aim to enhance learning opportunities and improve the quality of education across the country.