Thane district draws up ₹400 crore plan to upgrade schools and health centres

Thane: The Thane district administration has drawn up a development plan worth about ₹400 crore to improve schools and strengthen primary health centres. It sets aside about ₹300 crore for schools in Zilla Parishad, municipal corporation and municipal council areas and about ₹100 crore for primary health centres. The plan was reviewed at a meeting at the collector's office on Friday.

It was prepared on the instructions of MP Dr Shrikant Shinde, who chairs the district development coordination and monitoring (DISHA) committee. For schools it proposes digital learning tools, internet connections, well-equipped classrooms, model kitchens, separate toilets for boys and girls and clean drinking water, with schools rebuilt as smart schools where needed under the Saksham Shala campaign. Experienced teachers from the cities are to be involved, and schools will be assessed every year.

Primary health centres are to become places where people can get the main tests and treatment under one roof, not just basic check-ups. The plan also covers the beautification of roads, gardens and lakes, modern public toilets, cycle tracks, exercise facilities, libraries and study rooms for students, and basic amenities in Dalit settlements and slums.

Source: Loksatta