Karaiba Chawang
December 19
KOHIMA (MExN): The much hyped Sarva Siksha Abhiyaan (SSA) scheme which involves crores of rupees to reduce drop out rate to zero and accord free education to all children between 6 and 14 years of age is reeling in a state of “unsatisfactory performance”, even after the lapse of 4 years.
SSA is a centrally sponsored scheme, with the State’s share of 25%. This year’s budget allocation alone amounts to Rs 33 crores for the State of Nagaland under this ambitious scheme. But so far no satisfactory works has been carried out, said the Mission Director Abhijeet Singha, IAS.
Even last year, the State received well over Rs 20 crore, but all such funds disappeared without the actual works being implemented, the official rued.
Except Mokokchung district, and to some extent Kohima and Phek, the rest of the districts have not utilized the money allocated to them for the purpose.
The worst district is Tuensang, said the Director. Here, even the works, where the VECs are supposed to carry out by themselves is being given to contractors, which is against the norms of the scheme. The problem is compounded by the absence of regular DEO, and casual response of the community.
Mon, Zunheboto and Wokha districts are slightly better, though there were some monopoly over the money by the village councils in Zunheboto district.
However, in Mokokchung district the scheme is quite successful. The Director said that this is because of the enthusiastic and sincere participation of the community. “Here, when we sanctioned money for one building they built two with contribution of the VEC”, he said.
Singha also said that under SSA a greater amount of work has been carried out, but so far there is no quality improvement. He attributes this failure to poor quality of teachers involved in the scheme and the callous response of the people at the grass root level.
The Director said that about 60% of the teachers are unqualified and untrained, which is the main problem in producing quality education.
He suggested to the government of Nagaland that teacher recruitment system should be strengthened while stressing on the need for rigorous training.
“Ground levels are not so responsive to the scheme. They are casual, and lack enthusiasm”, said the Director. He stated that money is directly sent to the VEC, but its judicious utilization is questionable in many districts. Need to man the VEC by sincere, educated and committed people is on the suggestion list.
