Construction work has started in 10 government primary schools in Ludhiana, which have been selected to be transformed into ‘happiness schools’. Each school will receive ₹40.4 lakh to transform into a vibrant learning space, equipped with modern facilities. Ravinder Kaur, district education officer (elementary), said ₹11.98 lakh has already been released for each of these schools in the first phase.

The initiative is part of a statewide project to create 132 “happiness schools,” including 10 in urban areas and 122 in rural areas. The aim is to create a joyful environment including computer laboratories, sports facilities like cricket and badminton grounds, football stadiums and age-appropriate equipment to improve the quality of education.

Anil Matharoo, deputy coordinator of the Smart School project, said Ludhiana had chosen 35 schools for this initiative. In the first phase, funds were allocated to 10 schools in GPS villages Ghawaddi, Akhar, Gobindgarh, Kohara, Mundian Khurd, Galib Kalan, Bhattian and Johlan.

Four schools — GPS Kasabad, Chuharpur, Bhattian Bet and Lalheri — have been selected under the NABARD 29 and NABARD 30 projects, entitling them to nearly ₹1 billion. Other schools under NABARD 29 will receive ₹40.4 lakh each. Matharoo noted that the civil works differ slightly between the two projects.

A school principal highlighted that the project includes the construction of a dedicated interactive room, a computer laboratory and a well-furnished office for the principal. “Color coding will also be introduced, ensuring uniform design of buildings and gates for all selected schools,” she added.

Matharoo further explained that schools were chosen based on the number of students, with the aim of increasing enrollment, especially in rural areas. “The first installments for GPS Kasabad and Chuharpur, among the schools covered under the two projects, have been released and proposals for two additional schools covered under the two projects have been sent,” he said.