Centre allocates Rs 86.91 crore for upgradation of Ravenshaw Girls' High School in Cuttack

The Union Ministry of Education sanctioned Rs 86.91 crore to the esteemed 150-year-old Ravenshaw Girls' High School in Cuttack on Monday. The fund was released as part of the Ministry’s Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) project for the year 2024-25 and will be used for significant upgrades and development of the school.

The sanction follows Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's visit to the school during its 150th-year celebrations on December 16, 2023. Notably, he had assured financial support to the school administration during that time and had later directed the Cuttack administration to draft a master plan for the school's infrastructure development.

The sanctioned fund aims to transform Ravenshaw Girls' High School by enhancing its facilities to create a better teaching and learning environment. New buildings for higher secondary classes (XI and XII), a modern indoor/outdoor stadium, and a new hostel are among the key priorities that will be developed using the funds.

Further, the project also plans to renovate the existing school infrastructure and develop the surrounding areas, including staff quarters and other ancillary facilities.

As per reports, the sanctioned funds will be broken down with Rs 14 crore being used for a new school building, Rs 10 crore for an Indoor stadium-assembly hall, Rs 20.7 crore for a new hostel, Rs 5.12 crore for a primary school building, Rs 3.32 crore for renovation of the existing building, and Rs 6.93 crore for a facelift of the school surroundings.

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The comprehensive development plan is expected to provide a major upgrade of the school, considered to be one of the oldest such institutions in Cuttack as well as Odisha.

What is the STARS project?

The Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) project is a World Bank-funded initiative aimed at improving the quality and governance of school education in India. It focuses on strengthening learning assessment systems, improving teacher development, and promoting school-to-work transition and has been implemented in several states, including Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.