NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday approved the implementation of a revised scheme of quality improvement in government and government-aided schools — an exercise which secured a Tenth Plan outlay of Rs. 115 crores. The component `Improvement of Science Education' will be transferred to State governments and Union Territories as a State sector scheme.

A Planning Commission allocation of Rs. 5 crores for the new scheme of educational libraries will also be used for science education under this component.

Besides, funds allocated under `Environment Orientation to School Education', `National Population Education Project', `Introduction of Yoga in Schools' and `International Science Olympiad in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Informatics' will be given to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).

Yoga component

Hostel and other construction activities will be deleted from the list for financing under the `Introduction of Yoga' component. Up to 25 per cent of the funds can be transferred from one component to another as required.

The Human Resource Development Ministry mooted the revision of the scheme to allow the NCERT "reasonable flexibility" in its operation to suit local requirements.

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