Agartala, October 3: Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday said Khetramohan School in Shanti Para would be rebuilt as a modern English-medium institution with facilities on par with Shishu Bihar School.
Saha made the announcement after inspecting the school premises and reviewing the progress of the ongoing construction work. He said the government plans to upgrade the institution in phases from Senior Basic level to Class XII.
The Chief Minister said the school, which has a long history, had remained non-functional for years. He accused the previous CPI(M)-led government of failing to maintain the institution and alleged that the premises had been used for purposes unrelated to education.
“Many people became doctors after studying here. There was a demand to revive the school, and the state government has taken steps in response to that demand,” Saha said.
According to the Chief Minister, the new school building will have a G+4 structure with 16 classrooms. Classes will initially be held in shifts, with the institution later upgraded to Class XII. The government also plans to introduce English-medium education and smart-class facilities.
Saha said the foundation stone had already been laid and the construction budget finalised. During the inspection, he was informed that construction had been progressing slowly. The construction agency has assured the government that the building will be handed over by January, he said.
The Chief Minister also said the government was examining the need for additional land in front of the school to improve access and road connectivity. Two lifts, each with a capacity of 15 people, will also be installed in the building.
Saha said the government wants to develop the institution as a quality school for children from the surrounding areas and reduce pressure on nearby schools.
He also criticised the opposition ahead of the upcoming elections, accusing the CPI(M) of misleading people over development issues. Saha said claims of inadequate development in urban areas should be assessed against the work being carried out by the present government.
“Since elections are approaching, the opposition has started misleading people. This has become their habit,” he said.
Saha also referred to comments by a former municipal chairman, who, he said, had acknowledged improvements in roads and civic infrastructure under the BJP-led government.
During the inspection, Agartala Municipal Corporation Central Zone Chairman Ratna Dutta, PWD Secretary Kiran Gitte, Education Director Dr Samit Roy Chowdhury and senior officials of the concerned departments were present.
