Question : CONSTRUCTION OF COMMUNITY STUDY CENTRES

(a) whether the Sachar Committee has raised concerns over the fact that a substantial proportion of households in urban settlements live in one room accommodation and it is absolutely necessary to create local community study centres for students so that they can spend few hours to concentrate on their studies;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there is any scheme to construct community study centres in urban slums;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) could be utilized for this purpose;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI VINCENT H PALA)

(a) to (d): As a follow up action on the Sachar Committee recommendations, the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of School Education and Literacy has instructed all States/UTs that the existing schools and community buildings could be used in the evenings as study centres and existing teachers could be engaged as tutors on payment of honorarium to teach the willing students including girls, who could be accompanied by guardians.

(e) & (f): The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) fund can be utilized for construction of community study centres for students in urban slums, provided such assets are open to community at large without any restrictions.

(g): Does not arise.