Financing elementary education in Andhra Pradesh under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan: a study on fund flow pattern and utilization of resources

Abstract

Andhra Pradesh (AP) is one of the states growing faster during the reform periods compared to many other states. But such an economic growth has not yet translated in terms of the human development of the state especially in terms of the many goals of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). Economic growth is higher in the last two decades but inclusive growth or equitable development has been missing in AP. Examining inclusive growth by considering agricultural growth, employment generation and poverty reduction, social sector (health and education) and reduction in regional and other disparities, Dev (2007) found that there seems to be some ‘turn around’ in the gross state domestic product (GSDP) of AP in the early years of the new millennium. Despite this, AP may not achieve millennium development goals in crucial indicators of education , health and sanitation at current rates of progress. The progress in MDGs for some regions and socially deprived sections like SCs and STs has been slower than the state average. Economic growth may be improving but AP is lagging behind in agriculture, employment, human development and in reducing regional disparities.