Already facing flak from all quarters for the alleged misappropriation in the funds under Sarva Sikhyaa Abhiyaan (SSA) scheme, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Wednesday asked the Education department to make optimum utilisation of Rs 776 crore earmarked for the State under the scheme to impart quality education to the school-going children.
“Judicious use of funds under the SSA should be ensured by the department to provide best education facilities to the students,” Badal said. Presiding over a high-level review meeting of the Education department at his residence, he said that all out efforts should be made to further upgrade the infrastructure in the schools especially in rural areas so that quality education could be delivered to the students.
Badal also asked department to submit a list regarding the requirement of upgradation of infrastructure in every school in the State within a month, so that a comprehensive strategy for the development of the schools could be evolved. CM called upon the school education department to evolve a mechanism of making Principals and teachers accountable for the execution of developmental works like upgradation of infrastructure and enhancing education standard so that students are able compete with their counterparts in private and convent schools.