Punjab seeks Rs.313.16 cr aid for upgrading schools

CHANDIGARH - Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has urged Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal to release Rs.313.16 crore for upgradation of educational infrastructure in the state under various central government schemes, an official said Tuesday.

Badal met the minister at his office in New Delhi and urged him to release the aid.

\”Badal has appealed to Sibal to direct the authority concerned to immediately release second installment of Rs.24 crore and Rs.23.50 crore to the state government for the construction of 21 model schools and institutions under Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan (RMSA) respectively,\” said the official spokesperson.

He added: \”The state government had already released its due share for this purpose and is awaiting for the centre\’s assistance. Besides, Badal has sought immediate sanction for a project amounting to Rs.265.66 crore-for schools which require major repairs under RMSA.\”

Badal also asked Sibal to ensure expeditious construction of a central university in Bathinda district and sought his intervention for immediate approval of the site for the proposed world-class university at Amritsar.

\”Badal has demanded sanction for setting up two colleges in the backward districts of Sangrur and Amritsar. He has also requested the union minister to give his nod for the opening nine Kendriya Vidyalayas in different districts of the state,\” the official said.

–Indo-Asian News Service

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