The success of the sole model school for students from economically backward families in Ranchi district has paved the way for the opening of seven more such institutions.

Come October, students living in economically backward blocks of Namkum, Kanke, Burmu, Lapung, Angada, Mandar and Chanho will have access to model schools that would offer them a shot at quality education.

Though land has been identified in each block, to start with, the model schools will operate out of the block headquarters schools. In way of infrastructure, the state education department has made arrangements for furniture, food and board for the students.

At present, there are 31 students enrolled in the Bero-based model school, which started last year.

The format is the same for all schools. They are meant for students of classes VI to X, and in each school, three teachers have to be deputed to teach social science, mathematics and English. The state government wants to lay special emphasis on these subjects as they are considered stepping stones to the future.

While counselling sessions for appointment of teachers will be held on September 7 and 8 respectively, the entrance examinations for admission were held on July 29 in each block. More than 500 candidates appeared for the test to fill up 40 seats in each school.

The entrance examination comprised questions related to English, mathematics and social science. Results will be announced in mid-September in each block office and students informed accordingly.

The student-teacher ratio in the model schools would be between 1:30 and 1:40.

District education officer Maheep Kumar Singh said all arrangements have been made for students who will enrol in the new schools. “Since these schools would have infrastructure and facilities similar to Kendriya Vidhalayas, we are trying our best to follow the same process,” the DEO said.

The officer pointed out that the result of the entrance examination will be declared in September and classes will start by the first week of October. “Teachers who will be selected on the basis of personal interview will be paid Rs 120 per class as an honorarium,” he said.

As far as the model school in Bero block was concerned, the officer said students were doing very well as teachers are making efforts to improve their performance in the three subjects.

All the models schools will be managed directly by the state government. In the next few years, they will be equipped with modern digital labs, and both students and teachers will be trained in computers.

Also, the institutions will function as learning resource centres for neighbouring schools.