The withholding of Samagra Shiksha funds by the Union Government since 2023-24 has triggered a crisis in Kerala, depriving thousands of differently-abled children of essential therapies and assistive devices.
- Union Government has withheld Samagra Shiksha funds for Kerala since the 2023-24 financial year.
- Over ₹116 crore in combined State and Union shares remains unpaid for the 2025-26 period.
- Critical services including therapies, travel allowances, and assistive devices are severely disrupted.
The educational landscape for differently-abled children in Kerala is facing an unprecedented crisis. Due to the withholding of Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) funds by the Union Government since the 2023-24 financial year, thousands of children with special needs are losing access to life-altering therapies and essential support systems.
Financial records indicate that over ₹116 crore, comprising both the Union government's share and the matching State share for inclusive education, was not released during the 2025-26 financial year. This deficit is expected to persist into the 2026-27 cycle, creating a massive vacuum in the state's ability to implement planned inclusive education activities.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this is not merely a budgetary dispute between the Center and the State; it is a direct assault on the developmental milestones of vulnerable children. For children with conditions like Autism, ADHD, or locomotor disabilities, the continuity of therapy is non-negotiable. A break in early intervention can lead to irreversible developmental delays, effectively stalling their progress in social, cognitive, and physical domains.
The lack of funds is disrupting children’s access to multiple therapies, which can lead to a permanent pause in their developmental trajectory.
The impact is deeply felt at the grassroots level. Families who were once supported by travel allowances to transport their children to resource centers are now bearing the full brunt of commuting costs. For many daily-wage earners, choosing between medical expenses and transportation is becoming an impossible dilemma.
Impact Assessment
| Service Area | With Funding | Current Crisis State |
|---|---|---|
| Therapy Access | Regular and specialized | Intermittent and costly |
| Assistive Devices | Timely distribution of aids | Severe shortage and lack of maintenance |
| Student Attendance | Consistent school presence | Frequent absenteeism due to cost |
Beyond therapies, the distribution of assistive devices—including hearing aids, wheelchairs, and calipers—has come to a near standstill. Even existing equipment in specialized centers, such as treadmills used for autism therapy, is falling into disrepair due to a lack of maintenance funds, forcing families to shoulder these costs themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Samagra Shiksha scheme?
It is an integrated scheme for school education extending from pre-school to class 12, with a specific focus on inclusive education for children with disabilities.
2. How does the fund withholding affect families?
It removes financial cushions like travel allowances and the provision of free assistive devices, placing an immense economic burden on low-income families.
