See Full Document Text
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION AND LITERACY
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1294
ANSWERED ON –27/07/2026
IRREGULARITIES IN UTILISATION OF SAMAGRA SHIKSHA FUNDS
1294. Shri Hibi Eden:
Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has received any complaints or reports regarding
misappropriation, diversion or irregular utilization of funds released under the Samagra Shiksha
Abhiyan (SSA) if so, the details thereof along with the measures proposed to be taken to
strengthen accountability mechanism and prevent misappropriation of funds released under the
said scheme and to ensure timely delivery of benefits to eligible students;
(b) whether the Government has conducted any special audit of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
(SSA) funds, particularly those meant for welfare measures such as school uniforms, textbooks
and other entitlements for students, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is aware of the recent incident involving the alleged
misappropriation of central funds at Elamakkara Government High School in Kerala, where
funds allocated under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) to provide uniforms to
underprivileged children were allegedly siphoned off using forged signatures and if so, the
details thereof along with the reasons therefor;
(d) whether it is a fact that despite the central funds being deposited into the accounts of
Elamakkara Government High School in Kerala, in August 2025, not a single rupee reached the
eligible BPL students, thereby affecting more than 527 children; and
(e) if so, the details and reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
(SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)
(a) & (b): Education is in the concurrent list of the Constitution and majority of the schools
are under the domain of respective State and UT Governments. The Centrally Sponsored
Scheme of Samagra Shiksha is implemented in partnership with all the States and UTs.
Financial assistance is provided to all States and UTs for various components for
implementation of the interventions under Samagra Shiksha as per norms. Accordingly, the
annual plans under Samagra Shiksha are prepared by the States and UTs based on their
requirements and priority and this is reflected in their respective Annual Work Plan and Budget
(AWP&B). These plans are then appraised and approved by Project Approval Board (PAB) in
consultation with the States and UTs as per the programmatic and financial norms of thescheme. The funds are released based on the fulfilment of conditions prescribed by Ministry of
Finance such as pace of expenditure, receipt of commensurate State share, audited accounts,
statement cumulative State share, statement on outstanding advances, up-to date expenditure
statement, furnishing of information as prescribed.
This Department uses a comprehensive online monitoring system called PRABANDH
(Project Appraisal, Budgeting Achievements and Data Handling) to monitor the releases and
expenditure, besides viewing approved outlays and other scheme related information.
Morevoer, the Central Government, through various forums, including Project Approval Board
meetings, review meetings, regularly reviews and assesses the implementation of the scheme
by the States and UTs and advises the States and UTs to implement various interventions under
the scheme for providing holistic and qualitative education.
There are robust monitoring systems which include, annual audit by an independent
Chartered Accountant selected from the C&AG/State AG’s empanelled list, a regular CAG
audit, and concurrent financial reviews and regular meetings between Audit and State officials.
The Manual on Financial Management and Procurement also assists States in streamlining
implementation and financial management. Thus reinforcing accountability, transparency, and
fiduciary oversight.
Further, the SNA platform was established to streamline fund management and
strengthen financial discipline. To modernize and further strengthen the system, the
Government of India launched the new SNA SPARSH platform. SNA SPARSH enables direct
electronic transfer of funds to end users and supports digital submission and real-time tracking
of bills, reducing intermediary delays and enhancing transparency. It also supports a Just in
Time disbursement approach, ensuring funds reach end users precisely when required and
minimizing idle balances.
State of Kerala has informed that no special audit has been conducted specifically for
distribution of school uniforms and textbooks under Samagra Shiksha.
(c) to (e): As per the information received from the State of Kerala, funds for free uniforms
were released on 18.07.2025 from the State Office to the school via district authorities. During
subsequent verification (utilisation certificate process), it was found that the allocated amount
was not utilised for the intended purpose, and a misappropriation of funds had occurred.
Consequently, uniform assistance could not be provided to the eligible students.
The matter was reported to the District Project Coordinator, and subsequently to the
State Office. An FIR was registered at Elamakkara Police Station, Ernakulam City vide FIR
No. 0008/2026 dated 13.01.2026. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 306, 336(3), 340(2) and 316(2).
Immediate administrative measures were also initiated by the State office upon becoming aware
of the incident.
***