Reaffirming its commitment to community welfare in the region, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has successfully completed the renovation of 10 government schools out of a total of 15 taken up under its flagship Social Support Initiative as per the directions of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who is Chairman, SMVDSB.
These schools were damaged during the recent flash floods.
The renovated schools include Government High School, Sirla Bhaga; Government Middle Schools at Chack Bhagtha, Panthal, Parthal, Manoon, and Kun Kanyala; Government Primary Schools at Hansali, Kalara Chanjute, Upper Sirla, Geeta Nagar, Purana Daroor, and Chumbra in Reasi district; besides Government Primary School, Dhanno, in Udhampur district, said an official.
These schools were identified for renovation and upgradation following a detailed assessment of damages caused by adverse weather conditions. Priority was accorded to institutions where essential infrastructure such as classrooms, boundary walls and sanitation facilities had been severely affected.
The scope of work undertaken included construction of new classrooms, repair of damaged roofs with waterproofing, plastering and painting, structural strengthening, repair and replacement of doors and windows, along with provision of electrification and flooring wherever required. Special emphasis was laid on the upgrading and strengthening of sanitation facilities to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for students and staff.
Earlier, six government schools had been successfully renovated and handed over to the District Administration, Reasi. With the completion of renovation works on another four schools under its flagship initiative, the Shrine Board has now raised the total count of renovated schools to ten. The remaining five schools are expected to be handed over before the commencement of the next academic session, further strengthening educational infrastructure in the region.
Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, said that the completion of renovation works in these 10 schools under the Social Support Initiative will directly benefit a number of students and staff in the region by providing them with a conducive and improved educational environment. He further underscored that the initiative reflects the Shrine Board’s sustained commitment to social responsibility and service beyond its spiritual mandate.