Work on school buildings progressing at a snail's pace

A school building under construction at Ampolu village near Srikakulam. Photo: Basheer

Despite tall claims of the government in providing basic infrastructure for government schools, Rajiv Vidya Mission and other departments concerned are not able to complete construction of school buildings in many places of Srikakulam district.

Though huge funds are available under Rajiv Vidya Mission and Rasthriya Madhyamika Siksha Abhiyan, the works are going on at a snail's pace due to lack of proper supervision.

To cite an example, a new building, construction of which has been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs.30 lakhs in Ampolu near Srikakulam town could not be completed as per the schedule. The same is the case with the elementary and high school buildings in D. Matyalesam village of Etcherla mandal. The locals and parents allege that the officials are not taking steps for the early completion of the school building.

‘Cause for concern'

Andhra Pradesh Teachers' Federation district general secretary K. Bhanumurthy says that students are put to hardship due to non- completion of new buildings even after beginning of the new academic year. “Many buildings are in a dilapidated condition causing concern to teachers, students, and parents.

It is the responsibility of the government to complete the new buildings as early as possible to avoid any untoward incident in the existing structures,” he says.

However, Rajiv Vidya Mission officials claim that the department is keen on completing all the school buildings as per the schedule. According to them, 187 new class rooms in 123 schools will be inaugurated in a week. As many as 37 new school buildings will be opened on June 21. The officials also say that contractors will be asked to complete all the new buildings in the time stipulated since there is no dearth of funds.