This govt school is on par with private ones
At a time when government schools across Telangana have been witnessing an alarming rate of dropouts, a state-run school at Somajiguda in the heart of Hyderabad has seen huge demand from parents, including those from affluent sections, on a par with any other corporate school in the city.
So much so that hundreds of parents staged a dharna in front of the school when it reopened on June 2, demanding admissions for their children. School authorities had to take help from police to disperse the agitating parents who did not listen to their explanation that seats were already filled up.
“In the history of the government schools in the state, perhaps never has a state-run school seen such a huge demand from parents for admissions. In fact, many parents withdrew their children from private schools and wanted them to get admitted in our school this year,” said K Deva Raj, headmaster in-charge of the school.
Not just parents, school authorities received recommendation letters from IAS and IPS officers, besides MPs, MLAs and even corporators of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).
What is so special about this school? Earlier, it was like any other government school for children of employees working in Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s residence in Somajiguda. It was located in the rear of Raj Bhavan and not many were aware of it.
“Last year, we moved into a new building. It was then that this school, better known as Raj Bhavan School, caught the attention of people. In December last year, President Ramnath Kovind visited our school and was surprised to find the kind of infrastructure we have,” Raj said.
While the Governor’s office released ₹4 crore to build it, prominent software company Cyient Technologies converted it into a smart school by providing digital classrooms.
“Several other NGOs like Aakruti, Teach For India (TFI), Room to Read (RTR) and United Way of Hyderabad (UWH) came forward to provide the other necessary infrastructure,” he said.
Unlike corporate schools, the Raj Bhavan School provides everything free for students — from uniform, text books, note books and midday meals, besides providing sports infrastructure as well.
HYDERABAD: