India, March 10 -- Indian states and Union Territories (UTs) utilised only Rs.23,327.49 lakh, accounting for just 31% of the Rs.72,924.69 lakh allocated under the sports and physical education component of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) for the financial year 2024-25, according to the data shared by the central government with the Lok Sabha on Monday. Notably, nine states and UTs are yet to spend any of their allocated funds in FY 2024-25 ending on March 31.

SSA is a shared scheme between the Centre and states supporting public schools with a funding ratio of 60:40. The scheme aims to ensure that all children have access to quality education in an equitable and inclusive classroom environment irrespective of region and category.

The ...