*Navodaya Vidyalaya as Center of Excellence in the state*

*Chief Secretary Smt Radha Raturi directed to start the tender process soon after taking approval from NABARD regarding the construction of the proposed Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Residential Schools in Diwarikhol, Uttarkashi and Tilwara, Rudraprayag*

Chief Secretary Smt Radha Raturi, in the meeting of the EFC (Expenditure Finance Committee) of the proposed Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Residential School at Diwarikhol in Uttarkashi and Tilwara in Rudraprayag at the Vidhan Sabha Bhavan on Wednesday, asked to start the tender process soon by taking approval from NABARD in relation to these projects. Along with the construction of buildings of these schools, the Chief Secretary has also given instructions to approve the recruitment of various staff, make arrangements for furniture etc.She has instructed the executing agency Irrigation Department and BRIDCUL to arrange all the necessary facilities for the disabled children in these schools, install rain water harvesting system, solar panels and solar lights and water heaters with the help of UREDA. Chief Secretary Smt. Radha Raturi directed that special care should be taken for the safety of girl students in these schools. Especially in view of the safety of the students, the CS has also given instructions to take certification of the electrical wing during the construction of the proposed Navodaya Vidyalayas.

The Chief Secretary has given instructions to make a solid waste management system, kitchen garden and composting arrangements in these schools compulsorily. Along with this, CS has also given instructions to provide WiFi facilities in these schools for the convenience of the students and for online education. She has also given instructions to arrange guest rooms for the parents coming to meet their children in these schools. Chief Secretary Smt. Radha Raturi has given instructions to complete the construction work of the proposed Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Residential Schools at Diwarikhol in Uttarkashi and Tilwara in Rudraprayag within 18 months.

Chief Secretary Smt. Radha Raturi said that Navodaya Vidyalayas should be established as centers of excellence in the state. Local children of remote and inaccessible hilly areas will benefit from the opening of the proposed Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Residential Schools at Diwarikhol in Uttarkashi and Tilwara in Rudraprayag. Children should be provided good facilities in these schools.

Additional Secretary Smt Ranjana Rajguru, Smt Vijay Kumar Jogdande along with concerned officials of the executing agency Irrigation Department and Bridcul were present in the meeting.