In an attempt to expedite the implementation of the RTE Act (Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act), the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Thursday approved revision of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), which is regarded as a flagship programme to universalise elementary education across the country.

A revised SSA that is aligned with the RTE norms is expected to be the main vehicle for the implementation of the RTE Act.

Some of the revisions approved include provisions for teachers and classrooms, support for academic supervision, research, evaluation and monitoring and opening of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) to bring them in conformity with the provisions of the RTE Act. New norms for uniforms, transportation costs and residential schools to implement the combined RTE-SSA programme have also been incorporated.

"Revision of the funding pattern for the combined RTE-SSA programme between the Centre and the states in the ratio of 65:35 for all States/UTs; in the case of eight states of NER (north-eastern region) the existing sharing pattern of 90:10 would however be continue," said the government in a statement.

The funding pattern has been in the ratio of 55:45 till date. However, for the north-east, the funding pattern will be in the ratio of 90:10.

The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) under the Finance Ministry had in July agreed to fund the sharing formula keeping in view the demands of states for higher assistance from the Centre to implement the RTE Act, which has come into effect from April 1.

There will be a requirement of Rs 2.31 lakh crore in the next five years for implementing the RTE Act, which makes education a fundamental right of every child.