Schools left in lurch as maintenance grants delay hits classrooms

Srinagar, Oct 25: Schools across Jammu and Kashmir are struggling due to a delay in the release of maintenance grants under the Samagra Shiksha programme of the Ministry of Education.

These grants, meant for minor repairs and upkeep of school buildings, are usually disbursed in June or July each year.

Officials said the maintenance grants are the primary funds used by schools for local expenses, with allocations based on student enrollment. Schools with up to 30 students receive Rs 10,000 annually, those with 31-100 students get Rs 25,000, 101-250 students receive Rs 50,000, 251-1000 students get Rs 75,000, and schools with over 1,000 students are allotted Rs 1,00,000 per year.

“Since the implementation of the RTE Act, schools no longer have local funds. The maintenance grants are critical for carrying out repairs and basic upkeep,” an official said.

Previously, local funds collected through nominal fees supported school activities, sports, and provided small wages for sweepers. “This year, the delay has left school heads in a difficult position. Essential maintenance is not being carried out due to lack of resources,” a teacher told Greater Kashmir.

The school teacher said there was no maintenance of schools this year as the funds released for the purpose were delayed.

An official said the funds were released from Samagra directorate to all CEOs but the claim was countered by the officials at various CEO offices.

“No maintenance grant was released this year to schools. Some grants were released but that was only meant for PM Shri schools,” an official dealing with Samagra said.

Project Director Samagra Shiksha Bhawani Rakwal was not available for her comments despite repeated attempts.

Minister for education Sakina Itoo when contacted said the issue will be looked into.

“I will take up the matter with Samagra directorate and see why the maintenance grants have not been released yet. I will look into it,” Sakina Itoo told Greater Kashmir.