LUCKNOW, May 13 -- As many as 418 aided schools of the state have so far benefitted from the "Project Alankaar" - a government scheme launched in 2022-23 to support renovation, reconstruction, and construction work in older educational institutions, according to data from the secondary education department. In Lucknow, 19 aided schools have availed support under the scheme.

Originally launched for government schools, Alankaar was extended to aided schools in 2022. Notably, there are 4,517 aided schools in the state, but the project only supports schools that are over 75 years old, have more than 300 students, and are in a dilapidated condition. While government schools receive 100% funding, aided institutions are required to contribute 2...