Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Government schools get a makeover

MANGALURU: During the last assembly election in the state, the Election Commission had gone out of its way to ensure that polling booths looked good and attempts were made to attract voters, including physically challenged, senior citizens, tribals, women and transgenders.

Other than model polling booths, several districts across the state saw ethnic polling booths as well as the Sakhi pink polling booths. These pink booths caught everyone’s attention and a few booths had selfie corners too to attract first-time voters.

The departments involved in the electoral process are trying their best to ensure that polling booths (in government schools) are upgraded with basic facilities. In this regard, the commissioner of public instructions has identified about 19,953 government schools across the state and sanctioned Rs 3418.7 lakh for upgradation of basic facilities. The amount has been sanctioned keeping in mind the demands for infrastructure development presented by the deputy directors (administration).

A week before the polls, the block education officers are expected to inspect all government schools were polling will take place and ensure that all facilities are in place. On polling day, if any lapse is noticed, action will be taken against the Block Education Officer, said SRS Nadhan, special officer and ex-officio under secretary to government, education department (planning).

If more funds are needed for upgradation, the school/ PU college has to submit a proposal to the government.