Nellore's government schools set for ₹209 crore CSR-funded infrastructure upgrade

In a significant move to upgrade public education infrastructure, government-run schools in Nellore district are set to benefit from an infusion of ₹209 crore through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. The initiative, aimed at renovating school buildings, adding classrooms, and introducing digital teaching aids, is expected to boost enrolment in state-funded schools over the coming years.

The plan was mooted by Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister and Nellore MLA, Ponguru Narayana. Speaking to local media, he said, "The infrastructure upgrade will help improve enrolment rate in the State-funded schools in the ensuing years."

Mr. Narayana had earlier renovated the historic Venkatagiri Rajah's High School building using ₹15 crore from his personal funds. Encouraged by the outcome, he is now replicating the model in other schools, this time using CSR funds. The DSR School in Moolapeta will undergo modernisation with an allocation of ₹25 crore, followed by RSR School (₹15 crore), Zilla Parishad High School on Podalakur Road (₹25 crore), and V. Puram TIDCO School (₹20 crore). Additionally, the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam International School, supported by the State Waqf Board, is under construction with ₹20 crore funding.

In a parallel effort to reduce dropout rates, Mr. Narayana has contributed ₹6 crore from his personal funds towards distributing bicycles to students from marginalised sections. Of the 10,000 bicycles proposed, 7,000 have been distributed in the first phase at an event last week.

The CSR funds, typically used for civic infrastructure and drinking water projects, have been specifically directed towards educational infrastructure in the district. The investment covers renovation, modernisation, creation of additional classrooms, student amenities, and digital teaching aids among other facilities.

Under the Companies Act, 2013, certain companies are required to spend at least 2% of their average net profits on CSR activities. Education is one of the key focus areas permitted under the Act. By channeling these funds into school infrastructure, the Nellore district administration is leveraging a legal mandate to create tangible public benefits.

Officials said that the projects are being executed through the district educational authorities, with technical support from the public works department. Detailed project reports have been prepared for each school, and tenders are being floated for the works.

This initiative reflects a growing trend of utilising CSR funds to address gaps in public education. By focusing on infrastructure, the authorities aim to make government schools more attractive to parents and students, potentially reversing the trend of declining enrolment in some areas.

While the full allocation list has not been made public, the announced projects constitute a substantial portion of the ₹209 crore outlay. The remaining funds are expected to be utilised for similar upgrades across other schools in the district.

The development has been welcomed by educationists and parents, who see it as a positive step towards strengthening the public education system. However, they have also emphasised the need for sustained investment in teacher training and learning outcomes alongside infrastructure improvements.

As the projects take shape, the district administration is expected to monitor progress and ensure transparency in the utilisation of funds. The initiative underscores the potential of CSR partnerships in supplementing government efforts to improve educational infrastructure.