In a concerning revelation, the Union government informed the Lok Sabha that 12 states did not receive any funds for setting up computer rooms in schools under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), despite 49.5% of India's 10.17 lakh government schools lacking computer facilities.

Additionally, 18 states and Union Territories (UTs) were not allocated funds for installing ramps and handrails in schools, even though 14.9% of government schools lack these essential facilities, according to the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report released in January.

The data was shared by Minister of State (MoS) for Education Jayant Choudhary in response to Congress MP Balya Mama Suresh Gopinath Mhatre and Janata Dal (United) MP Lovely Anand during the Lok Sabha session on Monday.

The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is a joint initiative between the Centre and states, aimed at enhancing public school infrastructure and ensuring inclusive, quality education for all children. The funding ratio under SSA is 60:40 between the Centre and states.

Despite the government’s emphasis on digital education and accessibility, a significant number of schools across the country still struggle with basic IT infrastructure and accessibility for students with disabilities.