Now, govt seeks Nabard funds for education sector

The government is looking for alternative financial assistance from Central government agencies for infrastructure development in education sector.

Apart from the funds allocated in the state budget, the government is seeking funds of around Rs 2,000 crore from central government agencies like National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard), of which Rs 1,800 crore is for higher education. This was discussed in the review meeting of education sector chaired by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy at his home office here on Tuesday.

In the meeting, Higher Education Minister G T Devegowda, Public Works Minister H D Revanna and officials from higher education, primary and secondary education departments and Nabard were present.

According to officials present at the meeting, the chief minister has directed officials of both primary and higher education department to prepare a proposal for around Rs 2,000 crore relating to infrastructure development in schools and colleges. "This fund is additional and apart from what has been allocated in the state budget," said an official.

"All these years, Nabard funds were sought for public works department. In the meeting, even the public works minister said the funds should be for education and we have been asked to submit proposals," said a senior official of the primary and secondary education department.

However, officials representing Nabard informed the meeting that there was no provision to provide funds for higher education.

Devegowda said, "Nabard officials said there was no provision to fund higher education, but they can provide money for polytechnic colleges. We have asked our officials to prepare a detailed proposal for infrastructure development at government degree and polytechnic colleges."

The government is trying to get financial assistance from Nabard for 100 new Karnataka Public Schools coming up this academic year. "With Nabard funding, we want to provide own building for all Karnataka Public Schools. As per the discussion, it is Rs 3 crore per school for construction of building," said Devegowda.

Principal Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education Department S R Umashankar said, "We also discussed a plan for complete rejuvenation of both primary and higher education. We have been asked to submit additional proposal for Rs 400 crore. We will prepare a project proposal and submit."