West Bengal: Funds for school repairs before reopening

KOLKATA: The school education department on Thursday asked the district magistrates to report on the condition of schools before reopening.

Bengal government has decided to allocate funds for repair of schools that are closed for over one and a half years.

Commissioner of School Education has sent a letter to all DMs asking them to evaluate according to the need and arrange for preparation of reopening of schools and estimate damages. The cost estimates should be sent by September 15. For Kolkata schools, an authorised engineer has to certify the damages for funding.

Animesh Haldar, member, Secondary Teachers and Employees Association (STEA), said, “Now situation is under control, the government should reopen schools. It has been done in many states.” Secretary of Advanced Society for Headmasters and Headmistresses, Chandan Maity, said, “Government has just initiated the process, we know that many schools are not in good condition right now. So, there is high chance that date of reopening of schools, which have been damaged, may be delayed.”