Mangaluru: In response to an unstarred question raised by Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta, in the Lok Sabha on Monday, the ministry of education confirmed central support for infrastructure repair in govt schools affected by monsoon-related damage in Dakshina Kannada.The MP sought details regarding reports of damage to over 290 schools due to heavy rains and urgent central assistance to address the same. He also urged for a fast-track mechanism to enable the reconstruction of school infrastructure in disaster-prone areas of coastal Karnataka.In a reply to his question, the ministry conveyed that 11 govt schools in DK were approved for major repair works under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme (SSS) during 2023–24 and 2024–25, as per the PRABANDH portal. The ministry of education reiterated that SSS provides flexibility to states to prioritise such interventions and seek central support based on need and urgency. The ministry also issued guidelines and advisories, in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), to promote disaster-resilient school infrastructure and ensure prompt restoration in affected areas, the MP stated in a release.“The Centre’s approval of repair works under Samagra Shiksha is a welcome step, but this is only a beginning. With over 290 schools damaged, I will continue to press for expanded support and accelerated approval for all affected schools in Dakshina Kannada,” Chowta stated.He also assured to raise the matter with the ministry to ensure that the Centre expands the scope of assistance and expedites repairs for damaged schools across DK.
