ULHASNAGAR: Three schools run by the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) will soon be redeveloped as digital model schools, with the civic body approving a combined fund of around Rs 16 crore for the projects.The redevelopment is being undertaken as part of the Shiv Sena’s election promise of “Padhega Ulhas, Toh Badhega Ulhasnagar”, aimed at improving the city’s civic education infrastructure.Ulhasnagar mayor Ashwini Nikam and education committee chairperson Sakshi Surve had approached UMC commissioner Manisha Awhale demanding redevelopment of civic schools that are in poor condition. Following the demand, funds were sanctioned for three schools.“Under the election promise of ‘Padhega Ulhas, Toh Badhega Ulhasnagar’, we had assured citizens that the condition of municipal schools would be improved. The approval of Rs 16 crore for redevelopment of three schools is an important step towards fulfilling that commitment. These schools will be developed as digital model schools with modern facilities,” said Kamlesh Nikam, husband of the mayor addressing media.School Nos. 23 and 26, located near Birla Mandir, will be redeveloped at an estimated cost of Rs 5.77 crore.Another school in the Hiraghat area has been sanctioned Rs 5.15 crore for redevelopment, while a third school near Sindhi Youth Circle will be redeveloped at an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore.“The objective is not merely to repair the existing structures but to provide students with a better learning environment equipped with technology,” Nikam said.The proposed schools will have digital boards and other modern amenities and are expected to be developed on the lines of digital model schools.The civic administration is likely to invite tenders shortly, following which the redevelopment work will commence.Mayor Ashwini Nikam, group leader Arun Ashan and education committee chairperson Sakshi Surve were present at the press conference where the redevelopment plan was announced.The initiative is expected to benefit students studying in UMC-run schools by providing them with improved infrastructure and technology-enabled education facilities.
