Training Focuses on Transparent Fund Utilisation in PM SHRI Schools

40 participants from Shimla and Kinnaur attend SNA-SPARSH workshop at HIPA

Shimla, October 14: Samagra Shiksha organised a one-day training programme at the Dr Manmohan Singh Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), Fairlawn, Shimla, to strengthen financial accountability and ensure transparent payment procedures in PM SHRI schools.

The workshop brought together 40 participants from Shimla and Kinnaur districts, including PM SHRI school in-charges, DIET accounts officers and financial officials of Samagra Shiksha. The training focused on the SNA-SPARSH system and the process of transferring government funds from approval to final payment.

Former HP-PERC adviser and retired Controller (Finance and Accounts) GC Raita explained the roles of the Treasury Single Account system, Public Financial Management System (PFMS), state IFMIS and the RBI’s e-Kuber platform. Participants also learned about the responsibilities of Maker, Checker and Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO), audit preparation, digital record-keeping and resolving technical issues.

Practical training was provided on the Himkosh portal, including vendor registration, bill preparation and verification, payment tracking, recording RTGS/UTR reference numbers, reconciling financial records and preparing utilisation certificates.

Samagra Shiksha State Coordinator Sonia Sharma said PM SHRI schools receive grants for infrastructure, laboratories, smart classrooms and other development activities. She emphasised that trained staff would help ensure funds are used for approved purposes, payments are made on time and records remain audit-ready.

Further training will be organised for 184 participants from the remaining 10 districts at eight selected District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs).