J&K govt rebuts report on Samagra Shiksha fund release
SRINAGAR, JUNE 1: The School Education Department, government of Jammu and Kashmir has rebutted the news item titled “MoE released only 20% Samagra grants to SED” published in Greater Kashmir dated 30th May, 2026.
The Department, in an official communique, has clarified that the report presents only a partial picture of the financial position under Samagra Shiksha in J&K and may create an impression that educational activities in the Union Territory have been adversely affected due to non-release of funds. The factual position, however, needs to be viewed in a broader financial and administrative context.
The Department stated that the Project Approval Board (PAB) approves Rs. 1593.60 Cr (fresh) under the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B) 2025-26, which only sets the ceiling or outlay for implementation of activities during the year. The PAB approval is not equivalent to immediate fund release.
As per Government of India norms, the Ministry of Education releases funds in phased instalments based on utilisation certificates, expenditure pattern, available balances and compliance. During 2025-26, the MoE, GoI released Rs. 1102.00 crore to J&K under Samagra Shiksha. The released funds have been utilised in full with 100% achievement of targets. Therefore, comparing the total approved outlay with the first instalment released during the year does not reflect the complete financial position.
Highlighting the UT’s performance, the Department said that Jammu and Kashmir has consistently implemented major interventions under Samagra Shiksha, including PM SHRI Schools, Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, ICT and Smart Classrooms, Inclusive Education, Girls’ Education, Vocational Education and Civil Works and Infrastructure Development.
The Ministry of Education has acknowledged the progress achieved by J&K during recent review meetings and during the visit of the Secretary, Government of India, Department of School Education & Literacy to J&K UT. The PAB has also appreciated the academic improvements and implementation progress in the Union Territory.
