In a significant move to bolster educational infrastructure, the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) has initiated a major distribution drive, providing thousands of desks and benches to government schools across Karnataka. The initiative, part of the broader Jnanadeepa Education Programme, aims to create a more conducive learning environment for students.
Dharmadhikari Inaugurates Vital School Aid
The distribution programme was formally inaugurated on Thursday by Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade. Under this phase, a total of 3,472 pairs of desks and benches have been allocated to 418 schools. This effort directly addresses the basic facility gaps in many government-run institutions, ensuring students have proper furniture for their studies.
Focus Districts and Broader Programme Impact
The newly distributed furniture will benefit schools located in four specific districts: Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapura, Tumakuru, and Kolar. This targeted approach ensures resources reach regions in need. Heggade revealed the impressive scale of the Jnanadeepa Programme, noting that, so far, a staggering 75,518 pairs of desks and benches have been distributed to 11,621 schools statewide. The financial allocation for this furniture initiative alone stands at Rs 28.6 crore.
Beyond Furniture: Holistic School Development
The Jnanadeepa Education Programme is not limited to providing desks and benches. It encompasses a holistic upgrade of school facilities. As highlighted by Heggade, the project also funds:
- Construction of new classrooms and auditoriums
- Development of playgrounds
- Provision of clean drinking water facilities
- Building separate toilets
- Supplying essential teaching materials
A total of Rs 47.7 crore has been earmarked for these comprehensive development activities to date. Furthermore, in the current academic year, the programme has strengthened human resources by appointing 1,074 honorary teachers to various schools, addressing staffing shortages.
This sustained investment by SKDRDP underscores a deep commitment to strengthening the foundational pillars of government school education in Karnataka. By ensuring basic infrastructure and learning tools are in place, the project directly contributes to improving the quality of education and the daily school experience for thousands of students across the state.
