Bagalakote: At least ten government schools are being developed on par with private schools in terms of infrastructure facilities including smart classes in the District. It is the first of its kind initiative in the region.
Zilla Panchayat (ZP) has opted to develop one such high-tech school in each taluka in the District. There are nine talukas including Badami and Mudhol. The authorities are improving infrastructure in the state-run-schools using Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Education Department funds. Around Rs. 10 lakh is being spent for the development of infrastructure in each school from the funds available from the MGNREGA and the Department. In a few places, the officials are also using Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat funds.
According to officials of ZP, “The schools are being shortlisted based on the strength of the students and results in the final examination of the previous academic year. Under this initiative, multipurpose halls are being constructed in each school. It will be equipped with facilities like projector and screen, lights and fans, tap water connection and separate kitchen.”
“The school can use this hall for indoor cultural events, movie screening, dining hall, combined classrooms and for other facilities. This has been already implemented in a few talukas, where the ZP is receiving overwhelming response from the students, parents and villagers,” detailed an official, who wished to be unnamed.
In coming days, Zilla Panchayat is planning to develop similar infrastructure in all the state-run schools in the District. There are over 200 state-run schools in the area. At present this infrastructure is being developed only in state-run schools and has not included aided schools for this project.
T. Bhoobalan, ZP Chief Executive Officer said that, “Government schools in the District are being developed on par with private schools in terms of infrastructure facilities. The multipurpose halls are for optimal use of resources for both academic and extra-curricular activities for school children. We will develop such facilities in other Government schools in the days to come. We also believe that these kinds of initiatives will attract more students towards state-run schools.”
