517 schools selected for ‘Mana Ooru Mana Badi’ in Nalgonda

As part of building quality infrastructure and improving amenities in government schools under ‘Mana Ooru Mana Badi’ programme, 517 schools have been selected in the first phase in Nalgonda district.

Energy Minister G. Jagadish Reddy discussed the procedure and reviewing plans with officials in Nalgonda on Sunday. He said the mission is to bring government schools on par with private schools.

The programme will take off in three phases over three years in the State, and an outlay of ₹7, 289 crore was earmarked, he said.

For 2021-22, Mr. Reddy said, ₹3,497. 62 crore is being spent for about 35% or 9,123 schools - primary, upper primary and high schools - which have high student strength - located in all mandal headquarters.

Under ‘Mana Ooru Mana Badi’, 12 various components have been identified, such as dilapidated rooms, compound walls, kitchen sheds, dining area and furniture and others.

And for effective implementation of works, only one agency would be allotted one mandal, and the work quality and satisfaction must be monitored by a committee headed by the District Collector, he said.

Each school management commiittee will also have to open two bank accounts, one managed for funds allowed by the government, and the second account to encourage contributions and philanthropy by donors, NRIs and school alumni. Donors who contribute ₹2 lakh would become a school committee member and donors who contribute ₹10 lakh or more would be recognised by naming a classroom after them.