TFP Bureau, Raipur, February 2, 2024: Chhattisgarh’s School Education Minister, Shri Brijmohan Agarwal, met with Union Education and Skill Development Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, in New Delhi today to discuss the expansion of education infrastructure in the state. The key focus of the meeting was a request to establish Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kendriya Vidyalayas in all districts of Chhattisgarh.
During the meeting, Minister Agarwal highlighted the challenges faced by the state due to the fixed rates for various components of centrally run schemes, such as Samagra Shiksha, PM Shri Yojana, and Mid-Day Meal. Currently, the Center contributes 40 percent, while the state contributes 60 percent to these schemes. Minister Agarwal urged for an increase in the Central Government’s share to alleviate financial constraints faced by the state government.
Out of the 33 districts in Chhattisgarh, Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kendriya Vidyalayas are approved in only 16 districts. Minister Agarwal requested approval for the remaining districts and proposed an increase in the budget for providing free uniforms to school children.
Additionally, Minister Agarwal sought approval for the Laika Sanwar Yojana under Samagra Shiksha and reimbursement of tuition fees for children admitted in pre-primary under RTE. He urged the inclusion of schools developed in the last two years as benchmark schools and the incorporation of higher secondary schools into this category.
Addressing the Union Minister, Shri Agarwal emphasized the need for greater flexibility in the implementation of higher education schemes, aligning with the provisions of the new education policy. He specifically urged for the reopening of the Pradhan Mantri Uchchtar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM Usha) portal for the state, citing the challenges faced during the assembly elections that hindered timely proposal submissions.
Minister Agarwal stressed the importance of immediate approval and allocation release under PM Usha Yojana for the effective development and widespread dissemination of higher education in Chhattisgarh. The Union Minister assured positive initiatives on the various proposals presented by Minister Agarwal during the meeting.
