Deputy CM directs school managements to resolve problems relating to best available scheme funds with collectors

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka asserted that the State government is giving high priority to improvement of standards of education to meet the current and emerging requirements.

He said that agreements have already been signed between the managements of educational institutions and administration of respective districts for funds under the best available scheme. School managements should resolve the problems if any in consultation with the administration at the local level but there should not be any impact on the students.

District collectors, education and welfare departments should take steps to see that students selected under the best available scheme are retained in schools. Officials concerned should explain the managements about the salient features of the agreement signed between the administration and managements to ensure that it was adhered to by both sides.

Mr. Bhatti Vikramarka, accompanied by his Cabinet colleague A. Lakshman Kumar held a video conference with district collectors on Tuesday. The video conference reviewed the status of the best available scheme in different districts.

The Deputy Chief Minister directed the district collectors to submit reports on the dues pertaining to the scheme in their respective districts so that part of the amounts could be released. The district collectors were specifically directed to focus on health and education sectors and bring to the Finance department’s notice if there were dues pending payment.

He expressed concern that schools in some places were closed as they did not receive funds under the best available scheme. Officials informed that some schools were on the verge of closure if funds under the scheme were not released in time.

“How can any school be recognised as best if it relies solely on the scheme funds?” he asked. The DEOs were directed to visit the schools enrolled under the best available scheme to get information about the student strength, facilities and whether they were following the rules and submit a report.