The project proposed under the 'Namakku Naame' scheme of the TN Govt. will facilitate additional classrooms, a hostel and other basic amenities for the modernised school.
Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister, V Senthil Balaji unveiled a project under the 'Namakku Naame' scheme costing Rs.110.50 lakh to modernise the Corporation Deaf School in R S Puram, with a hostel to be built for students as well as providingother basic necessities.
At present, the school has only 30 classrooms for students. The proposed project envisages converting the deaf and dumb school into a modern school with additional laboratories, a dining hall, a hostel and additional classrooms. The move comes months after the State Government had decided to convert the R S Puram Deaf and Dumb school into a residential school for Classes 11 and 12. Once completed, the residential school aims to house as many as 280 students across the State, taking into consideration their marks in Class 10.
Close on the heels of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M K Stalin paying a visit to the smart schools in Delhi earlier this year, the State Government has allotted Rs. 6.5 crores for implementing this project under the 'Namakku Naame' scheme where private donors and CSR funds will contribute 33 percent.
However, Education Rights Activist, Prince Gajendra Babu contended that the decision to convert one particular school is against equitable access to school children.
Speaking to Simplicity, Babu opined, "Throughout all these years, the State and the Union Government through their activities have indirectly indicated that they do not want to provide equitable access to all children as granted by the Constitution of India.
The decision to suddenly convert only one particular school to a modern school will send a strong message to other Government School students who lack facilities. Instead of modernising one school, allocate funds for all the Government Schools in the State. At least improve the standards of the school,” he added.