New Delhi, July 23 (IANS): The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is reviewed twice every year by a JRM comprising independent experts and members of external funding agencies, union HRD Minister Smriti Irani told parliament Wednesday.
In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, she said: "The implementation of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is reviewed twice every year by a Joint Review Mission (JRM) comprising independent experts and members of external funding agencies covering states by rotation."
The human resource development minister said the last JRM was held January 13-27, 2014.
"The JRM appreciated the efforts made to provide access to schooling for elementary education and recommended that the programmes emphasis shift to improve learning outcomes," Irani said in the reply.
She said there are robust monitoring systems, including an annual audit by an independent chartered accountant empanelled by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India to ensure effective implementation of SSA.
"As many as 38 independent monitoring institutions also monitor the implementation of the programme in the field through visits to districts," she added.
A manual on financial management and procurement also assist states in streamlining implementation and and financial management.