 Early Times Report
NEW DELHI, Apr 1: Senior BJP leader and Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha Nominated, Er Gulam Ali Khatana raised an Unstarred Question in the Rajya Sabha regarding the implementation of central educational schemes in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding to the question, Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary informed that the Government of India is supporting the UT through major centrally sponsored schemes, including Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI Schools and PM-USHA, aimed at strengthening school and higher education.
Under PM-USHA, 74 units have been approved in Jammu & Kashmir with a total outlay of Rs 706.41 crore, including a Central share of Rs 636.56 crore, of which Rs 406.73 crore has been released as on 20 March 2026.
Under Samagra Shiksha, the financial details (Rs in crore) over the last five years are as follows: Rs 1472.13 crore proposed, Rs 385.57 crore released and Rs 1183.39 crore expenditure in 2020-21; Rs 1320.21 crore proposed, Rs 873.98 crore released and Rs 770.90 crore expenditure in 2021-22; Rs 1650.59 crore proposed, Rs 364.97 crore released and Rs 1275.28 crore expenditure in 2022-23; Rs 1736.49 crore proposed, Rs 865.43 crore released and Rs 1106.56 crore expenditure in 2023-24; and Rs 1721.60 crore proposed, Rs 823.49 crore released and Rs 935.20 crore expenditure in 2024-25.
Under PM SHRI, the approved outlay and funds released Rs in crore) include Rs 116.43 crore outlay with Rs 52.40 crore released in 2023-24; Rs 280.76 crore outlay with Rs 99.72 crore released in 2024-25; and Rs 277.07 crore outlay with Rs 11.65 crore released in 2025-26.
The Minister further informed that infrastructure gaps are being addressed through provision of classrooms, toilets, drinking water, electricity, libraries and ICT facilities. Digital education is being promoted through DIKSHA, while connectivity in rural areas is being enhanced under BharatNet.
States and UTs have been advised to undertake transparent recruitment to address teacher vacancies. Monitoring mechanisms have been strengthened through Vidya Samiksha Kendra for real-time tracking and effective implementation.
The Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring inclusive and quality education across Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in rural, tribal and border areas. |
