| Govt schools go smart in Srinagar, remain ‘dull’ in Jammu! | |    |
Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 1: In a significant development, the government of Jammu and Kashmir has decided to convert all government schools in the summer capital into Smart Schools, whereas such mega initiative is still awaited for the historic city of Jammu.
Earlier this year, the Jammu and Kashmir government set up 25 'smart schools' in Srinagar with libraries, science labs, smart classrooms, and other facilities. On January 19, the government had announced the completion of setting up of 25 smart schools in Srinagar.
On November 17, the government announced the ambitious project to transform all government schools with owned buildings in the district on modern lines equipping them with smart facilities and modern infrastructure for the summer capital.
Official records reveal that under the project a total of 180 schools including 120 in urban areas and 60 in rural areas of the district are being upgraded in terms of facilities. These schools will be equipped with modern facilities through interventions at infrastructural and operational levels.
“The project follows successful completion of the pilot project of modernising 25 selected government schools taken up and completed during the last fiscal,” official documents reveal.
Officials said an amount of six crore rupees has been earmarked for upgrading of 120 schools located in urban areas of the district under special plan.
Sources said the funding has been released in favour of 25 schools located in urban Srinagar. Official sources said 70 schools – which have already been partly equipped with modern facilities under the GoI's Samagra Shiksha scheme – will receive the required funding in due course.
When contacted a senior official said such project was the envisaged by the district administration of Srinagar and that Jammu administration was working on a plan for government schools in the winter capital.
“There is no dearth of funds for such projects from New Delhi, let the concerned district administration take an initiate and funds will be made available,” said the official on the condition of anonymity.
He, however, ruled out any discrimination with Jammu. “The Government is committed to development of both the regions and there is no chance of any discrimination,” the official asserted. | | |
|
|