13 govt schools to become ‘smart’

Thirteen government schools in the city will get a smart touch under Smart City Mission.

Mangaluru Smart City Managing Director and Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) In-charge Commissioner Narayanappa said the schools located in eight wards of MCC have been selected for development in terms infrastructure as well as improving the classroom activities, under the area development of Smart City Mission.

A sum of Rs 14 crore has been earmarked for the purpose, he said.

The schools that will be developed under the mission include Government Higher Primary School, Bastigarden; Government Higher Primary School, Neereshwalya; Government Higher Primary School, Pandeshwara; Government Lower Primary School, Hoige Bazar; Government High School, Hoige Bazar; Government Higher Primary School, Bunder (Urdu); Government High School, Bunder (Urdu); Government Practising H S School, Mangaluru; Government Primary School, Jyothi (Ambedkar Circle); Secondary School, Jyothi; Government Higher Primary School, Car Street; Government Higher Primary School, Bolara and Government Higher Primary School, Bolara
West.

He said Rs 9 crore will be spent on providing basic amenities in these schools. “As all these schools have old buildings, priority will be given for strengthening the buildings, providing basic facilities, including the construction of compound walls. In addition, the work on the playground, water facilities, repair of roof and construction of toilets will be taken up,” he said.

Narayanappa said the government schools will be developed on par with the private schools. The tender has been invited for the works, he added.

In the second phase after providing infrastructure, Rs 5 crore will be utilised for supplying computers and projectors to the schools.

Narayanappa said interactive whiteboards, digital players and audio systems will be included in the classrooms. The content for the smart classrooms will be inbuilt and designed based on the Karnataka state syllabus wherein the students will learn through audio-visual methods. Teachers will also be trained for teaching lessons from digital and visual teaching aids using the smart classroom. If everything goes well, then it will be a reality from the next academic year.

He said video conference facilities will also be provided in the schools so that the schools can take the help of private schools in getting special classes.