Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 6: The Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, has appealed to the Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, to facilitate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support from Power Sector Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) for supplying and distribution of 20,000 Smart School Bag-cum-Desk Units to students studying in Government schools across the Islands. The initiative is aimed at benefitting students from economically weaker sections, particularly those enrolled in Government schools and Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalayas (VKV) being run under the Zilla Parishads in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Shri Ray informed that a reputed NGO, “Need for Good Foundation”, which works in the field of social welfare and educational empowerment, has expressed its willingness to implement the project by distributing the Smart School Bag-cum-Desk Units as per an approved design, subject to CSR support from Power Sector PSUs.
These innovative school bags can be converted into desks, offering a practical solution for students in remote and geographically isolated islands, where basic educational infrastructure such as desks, benches, and proper study facilities is often inadequate or unavailable.
Highlighting the unique challenges of the Islands, the MP stated that the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago consists of scattered and far-flung habitations, where a large number of students from low-income families depend solely on Government schools for education. The proposed initiative would help create a more conducive learning environment, improve attendance, and enhance learning outcomes among students in backward and remote areas.
The Hon’ble MP has requested the Hon’ble Minister to issue suitable directions to the Power Sector PSUs under his Ministry to extend CSR support for this meaningful and impactful initiative, which would significantly contribute to educational empowerment in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.