Nellore schools set for ₹209 crore infrastructure upgrade with CSR funds
Several state-run schools in Nellore district have witnessed huge transformation over the last two years, thanks to the infusion of funds channelled through Corporate Social
Several state-run schools in Nellore district have witnessed huge transformation over the last two years, thanks to the infusion of funds channelled through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). While CSR funds are generally used for upgrading civic infrastructure and extending drinking water facilities in rural areas, they have been specifically targeted at boosting educational infrastructure in the district. A whopping ₹209 crore has been infused towards renovation, modernisation and upgradation of school buildings, as well as the creation of additional classrooms, student-related amenities, digital teaching aids, among others.
The idea of using CSR funds for improving public educational infrastructure was mooted by Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development and Nellore MLA Ponguru Narayana. After renovating the historic Venkatagiri Rajah’s High School building with ₹15 crore from his personal funds, Mr. Narayana plans to replicate this in other reputable schools. However, this time he intends to use the CSR funds. The DSR School in Moolapeta will undergo modernisation with ₹25 crore, followed by allocations for developing RSR School (₹15 crore), Zilla Parishad High School on Podalakur Road (₹25 crore) and V.
Puram TIDCO School (₹20 crore). In addition to these, the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam International School, supported by State Waqf Board, is under construction with ₹20 crore funding. “The infrastructure upgrade will help improve enrolment rate in the State-funded schools in the ensuing years,” said Mr. Narayana during an informal chat with the local media. Distribution of bicycles Besides improving school infrastructure, the Minister has also contributed ₹6 crore from his personal funds towards distributing bicycles to students from marginalised sections, in a bid to curtail dropout rate.
Of the 10,000 bicycles proposed, 7,000 were distributed in the first phase to the students at an event last week.
The BriefWire