Schools ready to run despite 18 Sept Earthquake; reconstruction work to be taken on priority

GANGTOK, 06 Feb: All schools in the state are set to reopen their gates for the new academic session in time from 14 February this year. This is inspite of the damages incurred to a large number of school buildings due to the earthquake of 18 September. Over 400 school buildings had been damaged and the Human Resource Development Department is yet to complete restoration and reconstruction works in all the damaged school buildings. Over 200 school buildings suffered damages and another 105 school buildings collapsed all over the state.
Responding to media queries, the Secretary mentioned that all schools are set to start the new academic session without any obstacles related to the 18 Sept earthquake. He informed that 178 temporary structures with 665 classrooms were set up at different locations and classes will be running smoothly from 14 February. However, he informed that reconstruction of school buildings will also be taken up immediately on priority basis. The HRDD had sought Rs.253 crore for immediate relief and restoration of school buildings and in the first installment of Rs.200 crore from the Rs.1000 crore relief package announced by the Prime Minister retrofitting of damaged school buildings along with other government structures was allotted Rs.45 crore.