Kerala: 144 year old school to get Rs 23.5 crore facelift

Thrissur: Government Model Higher Secondary School for Boys Thrissur, one of the oldest in the state, is all set for a Rs 23.5-crore facelift to be implemented in five phases over five years. The 1873-established school would be upgraded to international standards. Speaking at a meeting on the project on Sunday at the school, agriculture minister V. S. Sunil Kumar said the project is part of the Nava Kerala Mission, and KIFB has allocated Rs 9.1 crore. The minister, who is also the local legislator, said he would give Rs  2 crore from his MLA Fund, and the PTA, alumni, former teachers and NRIs would foot the rest. Banks and corporates have also offered to contribute from their CSR funds.

Josna Raphael, who heads the School of Architecture at Government Engineering College Thrissur, has drawn up the plan of 1.28 lakh sq ft built-up areas. The elevation of old structures that reflect the colonial architecture will be retained and renovated while other buildings on the four-acre campus will be demolished and rebuilt. Ms Raphael, who presented the project at the meeting, said each block would have separate space for vegetable gardens and solar panels would cover the rooftop. They include a playground, auditorium, parking space, cafeteria and other amenities.

A government agency would undertake the construction work, and the first phase would begin this year. The renowned school had ten separate divisions for Class X and more than 3,000 students in upper primary and high school till a decade ago. Their number has now shrunk to 750 due to lack of facilities. Alumni association functionaries A. S. Kochaniyan and Shoby T. Varghese were also present.