The Mooknayak Impact: AAP Raises Alarm Over Financial Crisis in 65,000 Govt Schools, Announces Major Protest

Jaipur- Following The Mooknayak’s groundbreaking report titled “Surviving on Credit — How 65,000 Govt Schools in Rajasthan Are Struggling to Stay Afloat Before March 31,” published on March 14, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has taken the lead in addressing the issue. The party has announced a major movement to hold the government accountable for the severe financial crisis plaguing Rajasthan’s education system. Former Education Minister and first DyCM of Delhi Manish Sisodia took note of The Mooknayak report.

The report highlighted the dire financial situation of 65,000 government schools in Rajasthan, revealing that only 16% of the Composite School Grant (CSG) budget had been released for the 2024-25 financial year. This grant is crucial for covering basic expenses such as electricity, water bills, sanitation, stationery, and school maintenance. With 84% of the budget still pending, schools are struggling to function, and principals are forced to manage expenses out of their own pockets or rely on borrowed supplies.

In response to The Mooknayak’s report, AAP Rajasthan held a press conference in Jaipur on Tuesday, where senior leaders Deepak Mishra and Ashutosh Ranka addressed the media. They condemned the state government’s negligence and announced a statewide movement to demand immediate resolution of the crisis.

Key Points from the Press Conference

1️⃣ Severe Crisis in Rajasthan Government Schools

• 64% of District Education Officer (DEO) posts are vacant.

• 80% of fourth-grade employee positions remain unfilled, impacting basic school facilities.

• 47% of Grade-II teacher posts are vacant, disrupting education.

• Secondary and senior secondary schools have 1,43,166 vacant positions.

• Out of 27,700 sanctioned sanitation worker posts, 22,455 remain unfilled.

• The condition of the education system is very poor even in the home district of the Education Minister.

2️⃣ Crisis Deepens Due to Non-Receipt of CSG Funds

• This grant is meant for school operations, repairs, electricity, water, sanitation, and stationery.

• Only 16% of the grant has been released for the 2024-25 budget, although it should have been disbursed by November-December 2023.

• This issue has been highlighted by major media outlets like The Mooknayak, Dainik Bhaskar, and Rajasthan Patrika.

• Over 100 school principals from Jaipur, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, Sikar, and Kota have confirmed that they have not received the funds yet.

3️⃣ Over 100 School Principals Confirm Budget Shortage

• Many schools have had to borrow essential supplies, but vendors are now pressuring for payments.

• Some principals have paid from their own pockets, but managing further operations has become difficult.

• The budget crisis is affecting the day-to-day functioning of schools.

4️⃣ Other Important Grants Also Pending

• CRC Grant (₹80,000) – Includes TA allowances, equipment purchases, and incidental expenses.

• Sports Grant (₹25,000) – Used for sports materials and activities.

• Transport Voucher Amount (₹10-₹20 per student) – For student transportation costs.

• School Uniform DBT Transfer – The amount was to be increased to ₹200 per student, but payments are still pending.

5️⃣ Central Government Negligence or Electoral Priorities?

• When officials were asked why the CSG funds have not been released, they claimed that the central government has not yet released its share.

• Some principals alleged that funds are being allocated to states based on electoral priorities.

• If true, this is a matter of serious investigation.

AAP's Rajasthan Vice President Deepak Mishra said, "The BJP is not taking any necessary action on this critical issue, and the Congress is also not raising this matter. This shows that both parties are not serious about the education of Rajasthan's children. However, the Aam Aadmi Party will raise its voice on this important issue and hold the government accountable."

Senior leader Ashutosh Ranka said, "As leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party, we take the responsibility of raising the voice of the common people. It is with this objective that we have taken up this issue in Rajasthan. The BJP government will have to answer why they are not releasing the budget for schools. If their policy on education is clear, why are they delaying the release of grants?"

The Aam Aadmi Party will soon launch a major protest in the constituencies of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Education Minister. Through this movement, AAP will demonstrate the dire condition of government schools at the grassroots level.