Sundargarh: The renovation and modernisation of SSD hostels in Sundargarh district has provided better living conditions for the students. It has also given them the perfect ambience to learn as well as achieve personal growth. Sundargarh district has 515 SSD hostels managed by the state ST and SC Development department. Modernisation and renovation of 223 hostels are currently on. More than 20,000 students reside in these hostels. Sources informed Tuesday 17 new hostels are also being constructed. The total expenditure for building the new hostels will be approximately Rs 19.41 crore.
The newly-constructed hostels will have all the facilities that students require including libraries and gyms, sources added. Recognising the importance of infrastructure, the Sundargarh district administration has allocated funds for the repair and renovation of the existing SSD hostels. Infrastructure such as toilets, bathing complexes, kitchens dining halls, and other amenities are also being provided in the hostels. The renovation of the hostels is being carried out at an expenditure of Rs 69.17 crore. “The renovated hostels will provide a proper environment for learning,” an official said. Realising the need for hot water, especially in cold localities, the administration has made provisions for installation of solar heaters in all SSD hostels. This has been done to provide healthy and enhanced living quality for the students, an official said. A total of 223 solar heaters are being installed for Rs 4.42 Crore Plans are also afoot to provide generators in all the hostels for uninterrupted power supply. This is particularly important in areas prone to power outages.
A total of 137 DG sets have been installed in SSD hostels costing Rs 7.07 Crore The district administration has also improved the overall living conditions by providing beds, mattresses, and utility furniture in all the hostels for Rs 11.55 crore. This initiative undertaken by the district Mineral Foundation (DMF) assures students of proper facilities for both education as well as adequate rest. Plans are also on anvil to further strengthen the education system. Renovation and construction of 200 primary school hostels (PSH) have also been planned.
Construction of new PSH buildings, by dismantling the old ones as well as repair and renovation of serviceable buildings at an estimated cost of Rs 212 crore have also been planned. Similarly, the transformation of 525 hostels at an estimated cost of 287.5 crore for improving the overall infrastructure has also been planned by the district administration, officials informed.
