Cluster Schools Project Takes Off in Uttarakhand: Govt Approves ₹7.48 Crore for Rudraprayag
Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government has kicked off the construction of cluster schools, approving ₹7.48 crore for three schools in Rudraprayag district. This funding will be used for building infrastructure and upgrading facilities. Additionally, the government plans to develop one cluster school in each district with residential facilities. With an aim to bring significant improvements in the school education system, the state government has decided to establish cluster schools under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The idea behind this initiative is to create well-equipped cluster schools as educational hubs by merging nearby schools with low student enrollment and limited resources. This will ensure that students from Class 6 to Class 12 receive better education and facilities under one roof.
To implement this plan, the government has allocated ₹7.48 crore for the development of three schools in Rudraprayag: ₹1.50 crore for Government Inter College Basukedar, ₹2.98 crore for Government Inter College Kotma in Ukhimath, and ₹2.99 crore for Government Girls Inter College, Agastyamuni. The funds will be used to build classrooms, computer labs, staff rooms, principal’s office, administrative offices, laboratories, an arts and crafts room, toilets, and boundary walls for security. The Irrigation Department’s Infrastructure Division in Dakpathar has been designated as the executing agency for this project, and funds will soon be released for construction work. The goal is to develop these three schools into fully functional cluster schools where students will have access to specialized teachers for all subjects, well-equipped labs, computer facilities, sports infrastructure, and other extracurricular activities. Additionally, students will benefit from various government schemes aimed at enhancing educational quality.
As part of this initiative, the government also plans to set up one residential cluster school in each district. In the first phase, five residential cluster schools will be built in districts with challenging geographical conditions. This will help students in remote areas get access to quality education along with residential facilities. Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat stated that the state has begun the process of setting up cluster schools in line with the NEP 2020. He confirmed that ₹7.48 crore has been approved for three selected schools in Rudraprayag, and these schools will be equipped with modern resources, sufficient teaching staff, and better infrastructure to enhance learning outcomes.
