Bhubaneswar, Dec 9 (NationPress) A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has revealed significant deficiencies in planning, infrastructure, fund usage, and educational access in Odisha from 2018-19 to 2022-23.

The audit, titled "School Education in Odisha" and focused on the state School and Mass Education (SME) Department, was presented in the Odisha Assembly by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday.

This report assessed whether all children had access to school education, whether the quality of education met expectations at all levels, and whether the monitoring and evaluation processes were effective in implementing the ‘Samagra Shiksha Scheme’.

According to the CAG's press release, the budget allocations and expenses of the SME department exhibited consistent savings and fund surrender, ranging from 5 percent in 2022-23 to 18 percent in 2021-22. Overall, the savings/surrender during the period amounted to 12 percent, with fund utilization under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme fluctuating between 44 and 50 percent.

While the national Gross Enrolment Ratio increased between 2018-19 and 2022-23, Odisha experienced a decline at both the Secondary and Higher Secondary levels.

Moreover, the state faced a substantial decrease in the Net Enrolment Rate, contrasting with the national trend of improvement. The transition rate from Secondary to Higher Secondary also fell in Odisha, in contrast to the national growth during the audit period.

The report indicated that the state exhibited unfavorable Student-Classroom Ratios, with 12 percent of Primary, 24 percent of Upper Primary, 42 percent of Secondary, and 57 percent of Higher Secondary schools showing issues.

In the reviewed schools, 23 percent utilized a single classroom for multiple classes, and 43 percent had students sitting on the floor due to a lack of furniture.

Information from District Project Coordinators in six selected districts revealed that although 16,410 Children with Special Needs were eligible for transport and escort allowances during 2018-23, only 2.3 percent (380 children) in three sampled districts received support as allowances were sent to inactive or incorrect bank accounts.

The Block Education Officers identified 1,458 CwSN through medical assessment camps during 2018-23, yet 311 CwSN did not receive necessary assistive devices.

The audit also found that 13 to 26 percent of schools lacked ramp facilities, and 31 to 44 percent did not have CwSN-friendly toilets.

Though the state aimed to provide self-defense training for girls in between 21,956 to 22,237 schools, only 3,363 to 21,943 schools received funding for this initiative.

This resulted in a funding shortfall affecting 13 to 19,260 schools. Additionally, the report highlighted significant lapses in the distribution of free uniforms, bicycles, books, and other essentials.