The Department of School Education and Literacy in Karnataka is gearing up for a transformative infrastructure push. The state government will soon initiate a major project to upgrade 800 Karnataka Public Schools, with a total financial outlay of Rs 3,200 crore.
Massive Funding for Educational Infrastructure
The ambitious upgrade plan involves two primary funding streams. A significant portion, covering 500 schools, will be financed through assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This segment of the project carries an estimated cost of Rs 2,500 crore.
The remaining 300 schools will receive funds from two state bodies: the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board and the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation. The estimated expenditure for upgrading these 300 institutions is pegged at Rs 700 crore.
Transparent Process for Detailed Project Reports
A key step in this initiative is the preparation of individual Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for each of the 800 schools. The department will soon issue tenders to commission these vital reports.
Officials have clarified that the scope of work outlined in the DPRs will focus on expansion, not renovation. The reports will cover the construction of new school buildings or additional infrastructure. There is no provision for the demolition or repair of any existing structures under this current project framework.
Commitment to Transparency in Procurement
Ensuring a fair and open process, the government has mandated that all DPR-related work will be awarded by inviting transparent tenders. This process will be strictly governed by the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Act, 1999.
This large-scale investment aims to substantially enhance the physical learning environment for students across Karnataka, marking a significant step in strengthening the state's public education system through improved infrastructure.
