HIPA conducts SNA-SPARSH training; 40 participants from Shimla and Kinnaur attend the programme
Shimla
Samagra Shiksha organised a one-day training programme on the SNA-SPARSH system at the Dr Manmohan Singh Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), Fairlawns, Shimla, to ensure proper utilisation of funds and improve transparency in payments for development works in PM SHRI schools.
The programme was attended by 40 participants from Shimla and Kinnaur districts, including PM SHRI school in-charges, accounts officers from District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), and finance officials from Samagra Shiksha.
Officials present at the workshop included Samagra Shiksha ACO Rakesh Kumar, State Coordinator Sonia Sharma, PM SHRI State Coordinator Ravindra Sharma, Akshay Bhardwaj, Director (Special Projects) at Hopping Minds Venture of Katina Skills Private Limited, and R B Giri of the Himachal Pradesh Finance and Accounts Services, along with other officials from the education department.
During the training, G C Raita, former adviser to HP-PERC and retired Controller (Finance and Accounts), explained the functioning of the SNA-SPARSH system and various aspects of financial accountability. He outlined the process through which government funds move from approval to final payment.
The session covered the Treasury Single Account mechanism, timely release of funds according to requirements, the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), the state’s Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS), and the Reserve Bank of India’s e-Kuber platform.
Participants were also briefed on the responsibilities of Makers, Checkers and Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs). The training included practical examples of resolving technical issues, preparing for financial audits and maintaining digital records.
State Coordinator Sonia Sharma said PM SHRI schools receive grants under different heads for infrastructure development, laboratories, smart classrooms and other school improvement activities. Since these works involve payments to multiple vendors and the handling of substantial funds, maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring timely payments are essential.
She said trained personnel would be better equipped to ensure that funds are used for their designated purposes and that financial records remain ready for audit. This would help schools implement development projects more efficiently.
### Practical Training on Himkosh Portal
The workshop also included hands-on training on the Himkosh portal. Participants were guided through the selection of SNA codes, registration of vendors through agency codes, and entry of details such as GST numbers, PAN, bank account numbers, IFSC codes and addresses.
They practised preparing bills according to the relevant scheme and budget heads, selecting the appropriate vendors, and verifying details before submitting bills.
The training also covered tracking payment status, entering RTGS/UTR reference numbers, reconciling school financial records with portal data, preparing utilisation certificates and accessing information through the dashboard.
Samagra Shiksha will extend the training to 184 participants from the remaining 10 districts of Himachal Pradesh. The sessions will be conducted at eight selected District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) as part of the statewide capacity-building initiative.
