In an effort to improve school infrastructure across states affected by Left-wing extremism, the government has taken a positive view for allowing construction of prefabricated school buildings in these areas.
Sources stated that the proposal was cleared after the successes achieved by the Raman Singh government in the worst Maoist-affected districts of Chhattisgarh. The success of the Chhattisgarh government is now expected to be replicated in other states affected by Left-wing extremism. “While the Chhattisgarh government has already constructed such prefabricated structures in districts of Bastar region, funds for constructing similar structures have been approved for Maoist-affected areas of Jharkhand,” sources said.
It is understood that a detailed proposal has been worked out for provision of funds under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in other states affected by Left-wing extremism.
Other states which can benefit from such scheme are Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal and Bihar. The proposal is part of the UPA government’s initiative to promote development of educational infrastructure in Naxal-affected states of the country.
The need for prefabricated structures was felt as the Maoist extremists have often targeted school infrastructure in the regions dominated by them. The Left-wing extremist outfits have alleged that the school buildings have been used by security forces as barracks, hence they justify their attacks on these structures. Pre-fabricated structures are easier to construct, are economical and can be shifted from one place to another which fulfils the needs of the tribal population of the region.
The government is keen on expanding educational infrastructure in Maoist-affected states as it has often faced criticism from several quarters for its inability in providing adequate educational facilities in these states. It is also believed by the government that development of educational infrastructure and providing quality education in these areas, which have a majority of tribal population and other underprivileged classes, will also loosen the grip of Maoists.
The government is also in the process of expanding its network of Kendriya Vidyalayas in Maoist-affected states of the country in an effort to provide quality education to children in these areas.