The funds promised by K. Muraleedharan, MLA and chairperson of the Kerala State Jawahar Bal Bhavan for construction of a film theatre will be allocated from the Special Development Fund for MLAs.
Mr. Muraleedharan was addressing the gathering before flagging off a bus of the institution.
Jawahar Bal Bhavan Principal S. Malini said the institution had only one bus. This was inadequate to transport the large number of students studying at the institute. Mr. Muraleedharan contributed Rs.11 lakh from the MLA fund for the purpose.
ADVERTISEMENT
Adorned in multi-coloured streamers and balloons, the medium-sized educational institution bus took a few students for a short inaugural ride after the MLA formally flagged off the vehicle.
The announcement that a sum of Rs. 1 crore would be set aside for the development of the institute was greeted with applause considering that the centre needed to strengthen its infrastructure to accommodate the wide variety of courses offered.
The Bal Bhavan is set in almost 3 acres of land and so there is no shortage of area to build the centre further. “We need a staff room for the teachers in addition to a dormitory, a conference hall and few more classrooms,” said Dr. Malini.
ADVERTISEMENT
She said there were a large number of admissions during the summer holidays, up to 2,000, and infrastructural changes were necessary to accommodate them. The Bal Bhavan offers 26 courses, including training in different musical instruments, classical and western dances, spoken English, roller-skating and embroidery classes. Vacation classes are held during April and May along with a June to February session that ends with an examination to test the progress of the students in their respective fields.
In addition to these classes, the centre also supports a day-care centre. Working parents can leave their children here from 8.30 a.m. till 5.30 p.m.. Children who finish school hours early can also stay at the centre and make use of their library.. Kindergarten classes are also held here.
A library and children’s park are also available, both of which hold scope for improvement, according to Dr. Malini. “Renovation of the park and beautification process of the campus will begin shortly. The work will include the setting up of an amphitheatre,” she said. With Rs.1 crore being allotted this year itself, construction of the film theatre will begin once the renovation of the park is complete.
Dr. Malini also expressed interest in coordinating with schools in the city to conduct classes. “It is essential to allow students to pursue their interests outside of studies. Training in other spheres will benefit them on the academic front as well,” she said.