Project supported by Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance includes school rooms, sanitation complexes
PUNE/WARDHA: Improving school infrastructure and enhancing the quality of education have always been the focus areas of Jankidevi Bajaj Gram Vikas Sanstha (JBGVS). Over the past one year, under the CSR initiative of Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company (BALIC), JBGVS has covered 59 Zilla Parishad schools with 83 infrastructure works across 57 villages in 5 talukas of Wardha district in Maharashtra.
The same has been appreciated by the district CEO and numerous school principals. The project has helped in the twin endeavours of rural education and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Type and scope of work
The infrastructure work covered repairing and new construction of school rooms, separate sanitation complexes for boys and girls and compound walls, as per the requirement. Across five talukas of Wardha, the following villages were covered: Borgaon (Sawali), Khadka, Dindoda, Sonegaon, Kanholi, Neri, Talegaon, Dhotra Kasar, Yerla, Ashta, Takli (Darne), Chinchala, Yerangaon, Pawnar, Babulgaon, Fattepur, Mandwa, Sorta, Doulapur, Takli (Chana), Kosurla, Watkheda, Sukli, Adegaon, Katri, Dighi, Zadgaon, Pohana, Amgaon, Virul, Wahitpur, Belgaon, Mozri, Narsala, Umari, Malkapur, Haware layout, Borgaon (Nandora), Karanji Bhoge, Kajalsura, Pavani, Panjara, Raipur, Dhamangaon, Waifad, Digras, Mamdapur, Kangaon, Nagthana, Aloda, Selu Murpad, Mirapur, Amboda, Kurzadi Jamtha, Nimsada, Borgaon (Meghe) and Kapsi.
Commenting on the development, Vinesh Kakade, Project Organizer-Wardha, JBGVS said, “The highest number of villages covered was from Wardha taluka at 21, followed by 16 from Hinganghat. The number of villages from Deoli, Seloo and Arvi talukas were 12, 6 and 2 respectively.”
Rationale and methodology
The earlier condition of most Zilla Parishad schools in Wardha was way below the minimum standard required for comfortable learning. Many schools even lacked basic infrastructure such as good and adequate school rooms and sanitation facilities. In some cases, even three classes used to be conducted in a single room. A survey conducted by JBGVS reconfirmed this state of affairs.
The methodology followed for the project covered the following steps: Survey – Discussion with Zilla Parishad officers – Meetings with teachers – Budgeting – Meetings with contractors – Implementation of work – Regular follow-up and monitoring.
Highlighting the importance of the project, Col Vinod Deshmukh, Director, JBGVS said, “Rural areas often lack even the basic school infrastructure which is necessary for a conducive and hygienic learning environment. Identifying one such case, JBGVS with support from BALIC, has played its role and we are happy to see the improved conditions.”
Impact
From a situation of highly inadequate infrastructure, the Zilla Parishad schools in Wardha district have come a long way after the implementation of this project. The feedback received from schools clearly highlights the positive changes that have taken place. For instance, the principal of Zilla Parishad girls’ school in Virul from Arvi taluka said, “We thank JBGVS for repairing the school sanitation complex, thereby creating an essential infrastructure for the benefit of girls.” Furthermore, Ms Naina Gunde, the district CEO, in her appreciation letter, said, “The ISO certification received by several schools in Wardha and the ‘A’ grade certification under government’s Shala Siddhi initiative are indeed the tangible outcomes of JBGVS’ intervention.” informed, Atul Sathe, Communication Officer, JBGVS.
