Chennai: Bharath, a class VIII student at Chennai High School on Jalan Manikandan in Royapuram, for a pleasant surprise when he returned to school after Kuncian Covid.
Gone is a leaky roof and cracked wall; The class is now Spick and Span.
It is only one of the 28 schools that Greater Chennai Corporation plans to transform based on the Citiis program (city investment to innovate, integrate and maintain) at a cost of Rs 99 Crore.
This program is managed by the National Institute of Urban Affairs and financed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs of the United States, the French and European Union development agencies.
Civic’s body had previously planned to renovate 48 schools, but cut a short list due to lack of funds.
Project in four schools – on Jalan Manikandan in Royapuram, Pasar Baru, Kottur, and Nesapakkam – will be completed in March 2022.
The Civic Body plans to expand this project under Singara Chennai 2.0 and Revamp all 281 school companies at a cost of Rs 281 at a cost RS.
1,525 crores by seeking funds from NGOs, corporations and other funding agents.
P Pracaasam, Principal of the Royapuram Corporation School, said the school would get his first sports infrastructure in the form of a volleyball court under this project.
“We will also get airconditioned staff rooms, dining rooms, stem labs, new main blocks, better toilets, and midday eating kitchens,” he said.
Raji, a elementary school student, told Ti that he always wanted facilities like in private institutions in his school.
“We are very excited and happy.
Our class now looks so alive,” he said.
However, the teachers wanted the Civic body to increase furniture.
In most schools, children in the main section sit on the floor.
The Ministry of Education has received a letter from more than 100 schools looking for better furniture.
An official said they would see external funds for it because it was not included in this project.
A corporate official tells the TOI idea is to bring a corporate school equivalent to private schools.
“We have the best teacher.
Less infrastructure.
It’s all set to change now,” said the official.