Jaipur, June 10 -- Rajasthan has secured approval for Rs.243.77 crore of educational activities under the STARS (Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States) project-a centrally sponsored scheme supported by the World Bank-for the 2026-27 financial year. The approval was granted at a Project Approval Board (PAB) meeting chaired by the secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, held via videoconference. The STARS project aims to strengthen school education quality and improve learning outcomes among students in participating states. Under the approved plan, Rajasthan will pursue initiatives including strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy in early grades, developing a digital learning-assessment system, enhancing teacher capacity, improving classroom teaching practices, expanding smart classrooms, promoting vocational education and training, providing career guidance, and encouraging ICT-enabled learning. The project will also focus on strengthening service-delivery mechanisms in schools and making educational administration more effective and efficient. The meeting was attended by additional chief secretary, school education, Rajesh Yadav; state project director and commissioner of Samagra Shiksha, Dr Rashmi Sharma; and other officials, who presented details of work carried out under the project to date. During the review, the Ministry of Education praised Rajasthan's efforts under the STARS programme and directed officials to complete the approved activities within the stipulated timeline. The ministry also emphasised strict adherence to the General Financial Rules (GFR), procurement procedures, and prescribed quality standards during implementation....