Funding & Monitoring of Samagra Shiksha (2024‑26)
The Ministry of Education has released detailed data on how funds for primary and elementary education are allocated, spent and monitored under the Samagra Shiksha programme. The information covers state‑wise allocations for the last three years, central expenditure on infrastructure, teacher salaries, textbooks and uniforms, and the collection and utilisation of the Education Cess and the two reserve funds – PSK and MUSK.
Key Developments
- State‑wise allocations for 2023‑24 to 2026‑27 are disclosed in the annexure, showing variations in funding across regions.
- Central expenditure for 2024‑25 and 2025‑26 under major components: Infrastructure (₹1,96,277.15 lakh → ₹2,87,194.70 lakh), Teacher Salary (₹17,23,439.79 lakh → ₹13,50,868.60 lakh), Free Textbooks (₹2,55,132.60 lakh → ₹2,35,322.84 lakh), Free Uniforms (₹3,84,593.26 lakh → ₹3,87,101.53 lakh).
- The Education Cess collected rose from ₹63,252.86 crore (2024‑25) to ₹65,890.50 crore (2025‑26).
- Utilisation of reserve funds: PSK increased to ₹48,049.09 crore in 2025‑26, while MUSK fell slightly to ₹10,314.31 crore.
- The Ministry launched the PRABANDH portal, featuring a dashboard that tracks monthly physical and financial progress of scheme interventions.
- Funding release is conditioned on compliance with the Project Approval Board (PAB) and the submission of audited accounts, state‑share statements and utilisation certificates.
Important Facts
State‑wise allocation patterns reveal that larger states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh (UTs not listed but implied) receive the highest shares, while smaller UTs like A&N Islands get modest amounts. Some states report delayed receipt of instalments due to slower expenditure.
Expenditure trends show a sharp rise in infrastructure spending, while teacher‑salary outlays fell in 2025‑26, possibly reflecting better utilisation of existing payroll or delayed disbursements.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the financing architecture of Samagra Shiksha is essential for GS‑2 (Education) and GS‑3 (Budgetary & Fiscal Policy). The role of the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B) illustrates federal‑state coordination. The use of dedicated reserve funds (PSK, MUSK) and the non‑divisible nature of the Education Cess are testable facts in the budgetary section of the exam.
Way Forward
- Strengthen monitoring through the PRABANDH dashboard to ensure timely fund release.
- Encourage states to improve expenditure speed, reducing instalment delays.
- Align teacher‑salary outlays with recruitment drives to avoid under‑spending.
- Utilise surplus in reserve funds to bridge gaps in infrastructure and learning material provision.