Centre to provide Rs 106 crore, but SSK dues remain at Rs 1,584.81 crore

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Centre has said it will provide Rs 106 crore to Kerala towards pending dues to Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) under the Right to Education Act. The assurance was given during an online review meeting between Union School Education Secretary T K Anilkumar and the State General Education Secretary and SSK Director.

Under the Right to Education Act, 2009, SSK provides free textbooks and uniforms to students. The scheme also covers education for children who are unable to attend school. The Centre had not provided funds for these since 2024 due to a dispute over the PM SHRI scheme. Kerala had sent several letters to the Centre pointing out that it had no right to withhold the funds. SSK approached the Centre again after pointing out that the lack of funds could put the implementation of the scheme in difficulty, following which the online review meeting was held.

The Centre has directed that all schemes be shifted to the new accounting system, SNA SPARSH. Kerala has sought the release of the pending amount before the transition, as shifting to the new accounting system would create technical difficulties in utilising the dues.
The Centre has sanctioned Rs 12 crore, its share for the STARS project, through SNA SPARSH. The Centre's funds can be utilised only after the State's share of Rs 8 crore is received. The State Government has informed the Centre that the amount will be provided soon.

The release of Rs 106 crore, however, will not resolve SSK's financial crisis. The total amount due from the Centre is Rs 1,584.81 crore.
SSK is unable to find funds for activities including virtual classrooms, education for students in tribal settlements, scholarships for girls with disabilities and teacher training.
The State will hold another discussion with the Union Education Secretary on the matter. As SSK did not have enough money to pay salaries ahead of Onam, the State Government sanctioned Rs 25 crore as special assistance.