Kerala has received the first instalment of central funds under the Samagra Shiksha Kerala scheme, according to General Education Minister V Sivankutty. Out of ₹109 crore approved by the Centre for educational purposes, ₹92.41 crore was sanctioned recently. This recurring fund is meant for children under the Right to Education Act. However, a non-recurring amount of ₹17 crore designated for construction activities is still pending. The minister highlighted that despite the recent approval, arrears of ₹1,158 crore from 2023-24 remain outstanding. Additionally, the central government has informed the Supreme Court about allocating funds for appointing special educators for differently-abled children. Sivankutty emphasized that over 4,000 special educators are needed statewide, affecting around 45 lakh children in public schools. He assured that the state government will pursue all central funds that Kerala rightfully deserves.
Fund Details and Pending Arrears
The central government sanctioned ₹92.41 crore out of the ₹109 crore approved for the Samagra Shiksha Kerala scheme. This recurring fund supports children's education under the Right to Education Act. However, the non-recurring allocation of ₹17 crore meant for construction projects has not yet been released. Minister Sivankutty pointed out that significant arrears of ₹1,158 crore from the 2023-24 period remain unpaid by the Centre. The central government has also told the Supreme Court that it will soon release funds for appointing special educators for differently-abled children. According to the Rehabilitation Council of India, one special educator is needed for every 10 differently-abled children in classes 1 to 5, and one for every 15 students from standard 6 onwards. Over 4,000 special educators are required across Kerala, impacting around 45 lakh public
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