Minority schools get aid from government

Around 50 minority schools in Raigad district have been granted aid amounting to roughly Rs1 crore by the state government, to buy computer and educational literature. Of the total 50 schools that were granted aid, around 10 schools fall in the Panvel taluka.

The aid will enable many minority schools across the district to provide computer education to their students. Each school has been aid of Rs2 lakh, to be used to buy computer and books for the students. "The fund was part of the pending demand of the schools and it will help them introduce modern facilities," said an official, on the condition of anonymity,as he is not to speak at the moment since the model code of conduct is in effect.

Around 18 minority education institutions run the 50 schools schools in the district. The schools in the Panvel taluka that will benefit from this aid are Yakub Baig Primary School, Yakub Baig High School, Yakub Baig Junior School, National Urdu Primary School and Anglo Urdu High School. The Yakub Baig Educational Institutions has received Rs10 lakh for the group.

"The school was in dire need of computers as it is an important facility required in schools," said principal of a school. He added that the local leaders have worked in this direction to ensure the grant.

The scheme will also benefit schools in Uran, Srivardhan, Mhad, Murud, Mangaon, Mhasla, Roha, Alibaug and Poladpur.

According to a school principal, most minority schools in the area do not have adequate infrastructure and lack basic facilities. "The fund will be used by schools to buy books for their library as students cannot afford all the books," said the principal. Apart from this, the fund will also be used to buy sports items for students.