VIJAYAWADA: At a time when schools run by the State government are reportedly grappling with the problem of poor student intake, the situation at 105 schools, maintained by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC), is quite different as those are attracting many students on the strength of improved infrastructure and better standard of education imparted by those.
According to sources, though the admission procedure at the civic body schools closed by the first week of July yet parents were turning up in sizeable numbers, seeking admission of their wards in those schools. Even when the staff of these schools clarified that there were absolutely no more seats available for this academic year in these schools, parents turned up with letters of recommendation from people’s representatives.
A case in study could be the Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu (AKTP) Municipal Corporation High School at Satyanarayanapuram. The management of this school has put up a board with the words ‘no vacancy’ written on it. The board clearly states that the admissions process for students in Classes VII to X for this academic year has been completed. The board has been put up to take care of the admission-seeking parents-students rush. However, to ensure hassle-free studies for the students in the classrooms, the civic body has constructed two more blocks in the existing premises after availing funds from the State government. The situation, reportedly has been similar at various elementary and high schools owned by the VMC.
Speaking to TNIE on Wednesday, VMC deputy education officer (DyEO) K Durga Prasad said that the civic body was maintaining a total of 105 schools, including 28 high schools and 77 elementary schools. With the students of the civic body schools achieving better SSC results and the schools boasting quality teaching, free mid-day meals, sports infrastructure and other facilities, more and more parents wants to admit their wards in these schools.
As a result of this, the number of students in these schools has grown over the years, forcing the authorities to construct 107 additional classrooms in 39 schools. ‘’We are in need of 215 additional classrooms to accommodate all the students. However, the civic body though ready to construct additional classrooms yet space crunch at majority of the schools is delaying the project further,’’ he said.
The DyEO informed that a representation had already been submitted to the SSA, requesting them for financial aid for construction of classrooms.
What has been done?
107 additional class rooms were constructed by the civic body in 39 schools with the funds allocated by Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan authorities A proposal has been sent by the VMC officials to SSA for constructing 215 additional class rooms
The problems in figures
105
Nos of schools maintained by the VMC
28
High Schools
77
Elementary Schools