Samagra Shiksha Scheme
- 06 Dec 2025
In News:
The Union Government has reiterated that States must comply with all conditions of the Samagra Shiksha scheme to receive Central funds. Fund release depends on submission of utilisation certificates, audit reports, physical and financial progress reports, State share contributions, and adherence to scheme norms, including alignment with NEP 2020.
About the Scheme
Samagra Shiksha is an Integrated Centrally Sponsored Scheme for School Education implemented by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education since 2018–19. It provides a holistic framework for education from pre-school to Class 12.
It subsumes three earlier schemes:
- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) – Elementary education
- Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) – Secondary education
- Teacher Education (TE)
Funding Pattern
- 90:10 – Northeastern & Himalayan States
- 60:40 – Other States
- 100% Central funding – Union Territories without legislatures
Objectives
- Ensure universal access to schooling
- Improve quality of education and learning outcomes
- Reduce social and gender gaps
- Promote equity and inclusion, including for children with disabilities
- Support implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009
- Encourage vocational education and holistic school development
Key Interventions
The scheme supports States/UTs through:
- Composite school grants
- Free uniforms and textbooks
- Library and sports grants
- ICT and digital learning initiatives
- Remedial teaching and teacher training
- Leadership development for school heads
Special focus areas include:
- Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) for girls from disadvantaged groups
- Residential schools and hostels in underserved regions
- Support for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) including assistive devices, Braille kits, stipends, and transport allowances
Alignment with NEP 2020
Samagra Shiksha is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, incorporating:
- New curricular and pedagogical structure (5+3+3+4)
- Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
- Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)
- Competency-based learning and holistic assessment reforms
Global Linkages
The scheme supports India’s commitments under:
- SDG 4.1 – Free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education
- SDG 4.5 – Elimination of gender disparities and inclusion of vulnerable groups