The stage is set for the launch of the second phase of ‘Education Fortnight’ on Monday.
Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy will formally launch the campaign, aimed at bringing down the drop-out rate among children in schools, at the ZP High School in Chandragiri of Chittoor district. The Chief Minister will leave for Tirupati from Shamshabad airport at 6.30 a.m. to reach Renigunta en route to Chandragiri to launch the fortnight to be held till July 20.
The Chief Minister will later inaugurate Srini Food Park at Bangarupalem and fly to Bangalore in the afternoon before reaching the State capital at 6.40 p.m.
The fortnight is aimed at creating awareness among parents and children about the importance of education and the government’s commitment to provide education to all. The government had spent Rs.3,500 crore during the first phase last year and plans are afoot to spend Rs.2,348.92 crore during the current year to improve facilities in schools.
Accordingly, 9,747 additional classrooms constructed with an estimated Rs.516 crore will be inaugurated while foundation stones for construction of 13,280 additional classrooms in over 12,000 schools would be laid. The government has set a target to construct 355 model schools and hostels for girls, spending Rs.454 crore during the current year and another Rs.156 crore would be spent on construction of 500 high school complexes.
Construction of compound walls for schools, hostels and inauguration of 46 Kasturba Gandhi girls schools too feature as part of the fortnight. In addition, scholarships would be provided to 12 lakh students, Rs.225 crore would be allocated to provide two pairs of uniforms to 56 lakh students, provision of cycles and other amenities would mark the fortnight.
According to an official press release, the emphasis this year will be on providing quality education, inauguration of libraries, provision of basic amenities in all schools and bringing down the drop-out rate.
