Coming soon, social distancing compliant rooms in govt schools

CHANDIGARH: With the Covid-19 outbreak, smart classrooms being developed by the Chandigarh Smart City Ltd (CSCL) in government schools will adhere to social distancing norms.

About 90 smart classrooms are proposed to be set up in four government schools of the city. A primary school in Sector 22, three senior secondary schools in sectors 35 and 43 will be equipped with interactive boards, projectors, smart lighting. Seating plans will adhere to distancing norms.

CSCL chief general manager NP Sharma said, “Social distancing norms after the outbreak have become a priority. After detailed deliberations, it was decided to make changes in the seating plan. Now there will be individual benches for every student instead of two students sharing one.” The classroom strength will remain the same, he said.

The changed plan will add to the cost of the project, which, originally, was to cost around ₹5 crore. “The new furniture requirements will mean an additional ₹1.5 crore,” said Sharma.

The CSCL is revising the modalities of the tender it floated for the project.

The successful bidder will have to set up the smart classrooms, provide the furniture and look after installation, testing, commissioning, operation and maintenance for five years.