Maharashtra Orders Zilla Parishad Schools To Upgrade Infrastructure

The Maharashtra government has directed authorities to ensure that Zilla Parishad schools are equipped with essential infrastructure within a month. Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore directed officials to classify Zilla Parishad schools into four categories — A, B, C and D — based on the infrastructure currently available at each school.

The classification will be used to identify gaps and prioritise improvement works. Gore issued the directions during a review meeting held at Mantralaya on Monday to assess the availability of infrastructure in Zilla Parishad schools. He directed officials to physically inspect schools and submit a report on the condition of drinking water facilities, toilets, electricity supply and classrooms within eight days.

Separate toilets, water supply and classrooms will receive priority during upgrades. While classifying schools, officials have been asked to give priority to the availability of separate toilets for girls, drinking water, adequate and well-maintained classrooms and electricity. Schools without drinking water or toilet facilities should be provided with these basic amenities on an urgent basis, Gore said.

The government is also planning to issue a Government Resolution directing gram panchayats to prioritise the use of their funds for creating basic facilities such as drinking water and toilets in schools. Zilla Parishad CEOs have been instructed to verify school data and correct discrepancies. Gore further directed chief executive officers (CEOs) of Zilla Parishads to personally visit schools and verify the infrastructure available on the ground against the information recorded on the U-DISE system.

Incorrect or incomplete information must be rectified, he said. He also called for greater coordination among gram panchayats, school headmasters, gram sevaks and block development officers to improve school infrastructure. Public participation should be encouraged through awareness campaigns and discussions in gram sabhas, he said.

The minister directed the department to prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) for ensuring the availability of basic infrastructure in schools. Zilla Parishad CEOs will be responsible for monitoring its implementation. Officials and employees found delaying the work will face action as per rules, Gore warned.

School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse said Zilla Parishad CEOs should regularly visit schools to assess the availability and condition of facilities, with toilets being given priority. He also stressed the need for schools and their surroundings to be kept clean through coordinated efforts involving school management committees and teachers.

CEOs should submit proposals to secure funds available under various government heads for school development works, Bhuse said. The move is expected to improve the overall infrastructure of Zilla Parishad schools in Maharashtra, providing a better learning environment for students.

The Maharashtra government's initiative to upgrade the infrastructure of Zilla Parishad schools is a significant step towards improving the quality of education in the state. With a focus on providing basic amenities such as drinking water, toilets, electricity and classrooms, the government aims to create a conducive learning environment for students. The move is also expected to boost public participation in school development works, ensuring that schools are well-maintained and clean.

In conclusion, the Maharashtra government's directive to Zilla Parishad schools to upgrade their infrastructure within a month is a positive step towards improving the quality of education in the state. The focus on providing basic amenities and encouraging public participation is expected to have a significant impact on the overall development of schools in Maharashtra.