The number of high schools has risen to 42 after officials attached to Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), a centrally-sponsored scheme upgraded several middle schools across the district.
With the objective of imparting quality education and to ensure 100 percent enrolment of students in schools in the age group of 14 to 18 years, government high schools should be established at a radius of every five kilometres. Nine middle schools have been upgraded to high schools in 2011 – 12, according to RMSA sources.
Besides, infrastructural facilities would also be augmented and faculty members would be recruited. Four middle schools each, in the academic years 2010 – 11 and 2009 – 10, were upgraded as high schools. Each of the upgraded school would have six class rooms in addition to the existing infrastructure, an integrated laboratory, a library and other infrastructural facilities for headmaster, all at an allocated amount of Rs. 59 lakh. These facilities would be created on 11,000 square feet, sources said here on Monday.
While various infrastructural works were in progress at the upgraded schools, there was a delay in constructing a high school at Samuelpuram under Tuticorin Corporation limits, which had been upgraded from a middle school in 2009 – 10. The residents of St. Mary's Colony have raised objections to construct the high school building citing that the land is meant for a park and a playground. The land is being maintained by them voluntarily. A pit dug up for the construction works was left uncared at the colony. When the issue was brought to the notice of the district administration, Collector Ashish Kumar gave approval to construct the school building on the old Collectorate premises on the beach road, sources added.
