The Education Department is open to accepting proposals from educational institutes for shifting its operations to the partially-complete Cujira school complex, located on the outskirts of the capital in Bambolim.
However, the present status of the complex is such that only three buildings are ready while the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) is still to complete construction of three more buildings besides other facilities.
Two higher secondary schools – Dhempe HSS of Arts & Science and Dempo HSS of Commerce – and high school – Dr K B Hedgewar HS at Mala – are set to begin the coming academic year 2015-16 from the new premises.
While Mushtifund Saunsthan, Rosary High School in Miramar and Anjuman Nurul Islam High School, near Panjim Church will move to the common infrastructure probably by this year-end.
“The three buildings are ready in which the two HSSs and the high school will shift next month. The remaining three buildings are still not complete but once done, the other schools will shift to the new complex,” Education Director Gajanan Bhat said, adding that the shifting will be done in phased manner.
The complex was supposed to become operational from June 2014. However, the three-year deadline for completing construction of six new school buildings ends in mid 2015.
The department has said it is open to accepting proposals from other schools provided they are ready to shift. “If the institutions write to us, we can consider their proposal after scrutinizing the feasibility. There are certain schools, high schools and HSS, with all facilities in place; but some are still in need of those,” Bhat added.
In the present complex, facilities like a common library, playground and other requirements have been built. The department has also assured to continue free transport services to the students. “The budgetary provision is of about Rs 100 crore. Everything will be done for the welfare of the students and teachers,” the director said.
As per records, the schools were allotted land by the State government at the complex on a lease period of over 60 years with the idea being to decongest the city by shifting schools with a large student population out of the city and also provide them with better infrastructure.
There are around 15 to 16 educational institutions in Panjim, most located along the roadside, resulting in traffic congestion during peak hours. The schools had signed the land lease about two years ago while DoE had begun the process of acquiring land over 13 years ago.
