Govt school mobilizes Rs 11L in one hour

Thiruvananthapuram: A fund collection drive launched by school development committee of Government Higher Secondary School, Kazhakkoottam, was able to raise Rs 11 lakh in addition to 30 tables and 100 chairs in one hour.
The school witnessed this unique crowdfunding initiative on Monday during the inauguration of new blocks of the school, which is being upgraded to international standards as part of public education protection campaign.
Tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran, who inaugurated the new blocks, offered a month’s salary to the fund. The collection was supported by school alumni and local traders.
The state government had allotted Rs 5.5 crore for construction of buildings and other infrastructure development works of the school. The new infrastructure includes buildings, labs, high-tech classrooms, library and toilet blocks.
As part of phase I works, new classrooms were constructed in a floor in the Sreenarayana Guru block for primary classes. Eight new classrooms where constructed in the Kumaran Asan block, where higher secondary classes are functioning. Tiles were laid in all classrooms. Classrooms, kitchen, dining hall and toilets were included in the newly-constructed Chattambi Swami block. As many as 30 desks and 100 chairs will be arranged in this dining hall. A modern kitchen too will be constructed.
Ramanujan and Ayyankali blocks were renovated under the initiative. A new open stage was also constructed. Construction of C V Raman block is in progress. Minister had directed school authorities to start classes in the newly constructed blocks without waiting for official inauguration.
As part of the upgradation project, children's park; volleyball, basketball and badminton courts; compound wall; gate; and biogas plant will be constructed.
Tourism minister and Kazhakoottam MLA Kadakampally Surendran will inaugurate the second phase works at 2pm on Tuesday.
Kazhakkoottam village officer R Ajay Ghosh, development committee members Biju S S, Hakkim, R Sreekumar and PTA president J Anil Kumar were part of the fund collection campaign.