Anantapur: Facelift works to government schools progressing at brisk pace

Anantapur: When government schools reopen in August, children are going to walk into new buildings, class rooms and wearing new government supplied uniform to receive instruction in English medium and more so into a new study environment.'Ma Badi-Naadu Nedu' aimed at giving a new face-lift to all government schools in the district and boosting infrastructure, amenities and facilities is progressing on a fast track mode with District Collector Gandham Chandrudu evincing keen interest to give a modern look to the school buildings.

Prior to the lockdown the Collector had initiated steps for construction of bathrooms and lavatories and for provision of drinking water. Collector Chandrudu told 'The Hans India' that parents committees have been formed and funds have been credited into the accounts of the committees to take up infrastructure development works. Works are going on full swing in 3,852 government schools benefitting the 3.45 lakh school children.

According to information, only 1,423 schools in the district have compound walls. As many as 1,490 schools do not have compound walls at all while 90 schools have partial compound walls. According to District Education Officer Samuel, the 90-point infra plan include pucca rooms, benches, fans and lighting, latrines, water supply, staff rooms for teachers, dining hall, compound walls, and tree plantation. Nearly 50 per cent of schools and students do not have benches to sit. A survey revealed that only 48 of the 193 schools that are centres for 10th class examination do not have benches to sit even for public examination. Only 87 schools have benches facility for students.

It was identified that 775 schools do not have water facility and 751 schools do not have proper buildings. Many of them are in a dilapidated state.

The government initiative is now going to change the face of government schools in rural areas and the corporate look would be given to schools to attract people to admit their children with English medium of instruction introduced in all government schools.