Ranchi: Govt schools across Ranchi district are set for a phased upgrade, with the school education and literacy department stepping up efforts to address infrastructure gaps and improve learning conditions, officials said.Acting on directions from district education officer Vinay Kumar, who had sought detailed reports from all block education extension officers on the condition of school buildings, the department will initiate action based on the findings. Block-wise assessments, focusing on infrastructure gaps and requirements, are being used to prioritize repairs, relocation of unsafe schools and broader measures to strengthen facilities.The move follows an internal assessment that flagged serious concerns. As many as 259 primary and secondary govt schools in the district have either been declared unsafe or are in urgent need of repair. In several cases, classes are still being conducted in dilapidated buildings, increasing safety risks for students and teachers.“In the initial survey, 259 schools have been identified where buildings are either condemned or require immediate renovation. We have got the updated ground-level reports. Now, timely action can be taken,” Kumar said on Tuesday.Officials said that where buildings are found unsafe, classes will be shifted immediately to nearby schools or public spaces in consultation with school management committees. Block program officers and junior engineers will jointly oversee the transition to ensure continuity of classes and uninterrupted midday meal services.Beyond emergency measures, the department is also working on a broader maintenance plan. With over 2,000 primary schools in the district, funds will be allocated based on student strength, ranging from a minimum of Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh per school for upkeep. Aided schools will also be required to earmark around 15% of their annual grants for maintenance.Additionally, smaller repair works will be taken up through District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, while schools requiring major reconstruction will be supported through departmental schemes.Officials said the consolidated reports from blocks have started reaching the district headquarters, and further action is expected soon.
