Development of playgrounds hit due to shortage of labour

Anantapur: The State government through the Education Department had decided to develop as many as 145 playgrounds among 565 government schools in the district but it could complete development of only 32 playgrounds. 

The schools originally scheduled for development in 2017-18 itself but the officials concerned failed to complete the target. In 90 other schools, works are progressing at a snail’s pace while works have not been started in 23 schools. While last year's targets could not be achieved, the target for 2018-19 had been fixed for development of 178 school playgrounds. 

Development of playgrounds include removal of old sand and replacing it new sand and levelling of the ground for creation of kho kho, Kabbadi and volleyball courts and 200 metres athlete track for which Rs 10 lakh has been earmarked. 

District Collector Veera Pandian decided to develop playgrounds in all 60 mandals in the district. However, works commenced in only 19 mandals. In 41 mandals, works are yet to commence. The works are to be executed using NREGS labour force, but no contractor is evincing interest in the works due to non-availability of NREGS labours. 

It was decided to develop 20 schools in Somandepalle, Singanamala, Chennekothapalle, Bommanahal, Gudibanda and Hindupur but not a single playground could be developed. One road block for completion of the school grounds was the expiry of Sarpanches official term. After the sarpanch relinquished office and special officers took over, contractors went back on the contracted works.

Works are completed only in Gummagutta, Anantapur, Atmakur, Bukkarayasamudram, Chilamattur, Dharmavaram, Gorantla, Kalyanadurgam, Mudigubba, Peddapappur, Penukonda, Puttaparthi and Ramagiri mandals. DEO Janardhanacharyulu told The Hans India that due to non-availability of NREGS labour, the works are now handed over to Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh and now works are gaining momentum. 

Play field coordinator Akulappa is coordinating the works. Out of 565 schools, there are 436 playgrounds out of which 200 schools have a semblance of playgrounds while 178 schools have playgrounds to an extent of 2 acres each. 

As many as 323 schools require development of playgrounds. A mere 32 playgrounds have been completely developed while 90 are in the process of development. A sum of Rs 19.04 crore had been earmarked while a mere Rs 1.24 crore have been spent so far.