Construction of Cluster Schools begins in state
By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 3 Mar: The construction of cluster schools has commenced in Uttarakhand under the state government’s Cluster School Scheme. As part of this initiative, Rs 7.48 crore has been approved for three schools in Rudraprayag district, which will be utilised for building infrastructure and other necessary facilities. Additionally, the government plans to convert one cluster school in each district into a fully residential facility.
The state government has taken this step in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to bring comprehensive improvements to the school education system. The objective of the Cluster School Scheme is to develop selected schools as central hubs, where smaller schools with fewer students and limited resources will be merged. This will ensure that students from grades 6 to 12 receive quality education and facilities under one roof.
To kickstart the implementation, three schools in Rudraprayag district have been selected and a fund of Rs 7.48 crore has been approved. The allocations are as follows: RS 150.39 lakh for Government Inter College, Basukedar; Rs 298.68 lakh for Government Inter College, Kotma (Ukhimath); and Rs 299.38 lakh for Government Girls’ Inter College, Agastyamuni.
This funding will be used for the construction of classrooms, computer labs, staff rooms, principal offices, administrative offices, laboratories, art & craft rooms, toilet blocks, and security walls. The Irrigation Department’s Infrastructure Division, Dakpathar, has been designated as the executing agency, and funds will be released soon for construction.
By developing these schools as cluster institutions, students will benefit from subject-specialist teachers, well-equipped labs, computer facilities, sports infrastructure, co-curricular activities, and easy access to government schemes.
Furthermore, the government plans to establish one residential cluster school in each district, starting with five districts with challenging geographical conditions in the first phase. This will provide students in remote areas with quality education along with residential facilities.
“The establishment of cluster schools in Uttarakhand has begun in alignment with the National Education Policy. RS 7.48 crore has been approved for three selected schools in Rudraprayag district under this initiative. These cluster schools will be fully equipped with the necessary infrastructure, ensuring the availability of teachers and support staff,” said Dr Dhan Singh Rawat, Minister of School Education, Government of Uttarakhand.
