Jammu, Dec 6: With most of the educational institutions lacking basic infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, the government has released Rs 85 crore received from the Centre under Special Plan Assistance (SPA) to the colleges and schools across the state to upgrade the existing infrastructure.
 The amount will be used for the up-gradation of classrooms, library and laboratory facilities, lavatory blocks and upgrading the basic requirements, particularly in rural and far-flung areas. Under the project Rs 40 crore has been released to the School Education department, while Rs 45 crore went to the Higher Education department for consolidation of the infrastructure, especially in newly opened Degree Colleges.
 Officials said that Central Government   approved Rs 100 crore plan submitted by the government to upgrade the basic infrastructure in established and newly opened Degree Colleges and Primary and Secondary Schools in the state.
 Pertinently, under its 8-point package to tackle the Valley unrest, the Central Government had announced Rs 100 crore for upgradation of educational infrastructure in the state.
 As per the action plan money would be used to comply with the norms set by National Accredited Assessment Committee (NAAC), which has shown its displeasure over the lack of infrastructure in the state’s higher education institutions.
 Under the Action Plan infrastructure development will be carried on in as many as 74 Government Degree Colleges in Jammu and Kashmir focusing on the requirements of the respective educational institution.
 Meanwhile sources said that Central government has also given its nod to open colleges for women for which 90 per cent of the funds will be borne by the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry, while the state will have to invest only 10 per cent of the money.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Dec 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 6 Dec 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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