Srinagar: The School Education Department of the Jammu and Kashmir Government has refuted a news report titled “MoE released only 20% Samagra grants to SED” published in Greater Kashmir on May 30, 2026, stating that the report presents only a partial picture of the financial position under the Samagra Shiksha scheme.
In an official communication, the department clarified that the report could create the misleading impression that educational activities in Jammu and Kashmir have been adversely affected due to non-release of funds, whereas the actual financial and administrative position is substantially different.
The department explained that the Project Approval Board (PAB) approved a fresh outlay of ₹1,593.60 crore under the Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B) for 2025-26. However, it noted that PAB approval only establishes the ceiling for implementation of activities during the year and does not imply immediate release of the entire amount.
According to the department, under Government of India norms, the Ministry of Education releases funds in phased instalments based on utilisation certificates, expenditure patterns, available balances and compliance with prescribed guidelines.
During the financial year 2025-26, the Ministry released ₹1,102 crore to Jammu and Kashmir under Samagra Shiksha. The department stated that the entire amount has been utilised and all approved targets have been achieved, resulting in 100 percent utilisation of released funds.
The department said that comparing the total approved outlay with only the first instalment released during the year does not accurately reflect the financial position of the programme.
Highlighting achievements under the scheme, the department stated that Jammu and Kashmir has consistently implemented major interventions under Samagra Shiksha, including PM SHRI Schools, Foundational Literacy and Numeracy programmes, ICT and Smart Classroom initiatives, Inclusive Education, Girls’ Education, Vocational Education and infrastructure development projects.
The department further said that the Ministry of Education has acknowledged the Union Territory’s progress during recent review meetings as well as during the visit of the Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of India, to Jammu and Kashmir. The Project Approval Board has also appreciated the academic improvements and implementation performance achieved in the Union Territory.
Emphasising the UT’s implementation capacity, the department pointed out that under the PM SHRI Schools initiative, Jammu and Kashmir utilised approximately ₹194.53 crore out of ₹200.11 crore available funds, demonstrating strong financial management and physical progress.
The department maintained that the conclusion drawn in the news report was based on a percentage comparison between a single instalment and the total approved outlay, which does not present the complete picture. It reiterated that fund releases under Samagra Shiksha follow a structured mechanism linked to utilisation and compliance requirements.
According to the department, educational activities across Jammu and Kashmir have continued without disruption, with all released funds being fully utilised and programme targets being achieved.
Reaffirming its commitment to the effective implementation of Samagra Shiksha, the School Education Department said it will continue to execute approved interventions with financial prudence, transparency and efficiency, while ensuring that educational initiatives across the Union Territory remain unaffected by funding-related concerns.
