TIRUCHI: Thirteen schools — 10 government higher secondary schools and three government high schools — in Tiruchi district are to witness substantial infrastructure upgrade with NABARD funding to the tune of Rs.16.32 crore under the ninth phase, the highest so far.

A total of 45 schools have benefited from NABARD funding in the first, fourth and sixth phases. Twenty-eight schools were chosen under the sixth phase. As many as 595 new classrooms were constructed. Each class was provided with a table, a chair, 12 desks and 12 benches. The scheme provides for upgrade of other infrastructure and facilities as well such as laboratories, toilets, and drinking water provision. The additional feature in the ninth phase of NABARD funding is the provision made for construction of compound walls. As for the schools that benefited from the earlier phases, the School Education Department has sent to the government a list of 37 schools that are in need for compound walls. For each of these schools, the requirement of compound wall was specified in terms of square metre, official sources said.

Among the government higher secondary schools, the one in Thuvarankurichi has received the highest sanction of Rs. 1.96 crore in the ninth phase.

It is followed by the Government HSS, Arasinilaipalayam (Rs. 1.76 crore). The other higher secondary schools chosen for infrastructure upgrade comprise Government HSS, Pullambadi (1.07 crore); Government Boys HSS, Lalgudi (1.47 crore); Government HSS, N. Poolampatti (Rs. 86.5 lakh); Government HSS, Pannankombu (Rs. 1.28 crore); Government HSS, Peruvalappur (Rs. 1.08 crore); Government HSS, Pulivalam (Rs. 1.26 crore); Government HSS, Puthanatham (Rs. 1.68 crore); and Government HSS, Tiruchendurai (Rs. 1.05 crore).