The BBMP appears to be serious about its plans to give schools and
colleges run by it a comprehensive makeover. Even as it is considering
inviting private agencies to adopt these institutions, officials and
elected representative are busy ‘choosing’ a uniform colour scheme to be
painted on BBMP schools and college buildings.

BBMP runs 150
schools and colleges. Many of the schools lack proper basic
infrastructure such as classrooms, toilets and furniture. The BBMP is
now seeking the help of IT-BT companies and private educational
institutions to adopt these schools. A BBMP official said they had 
prepared a list of all 150 institutions along with their individual
requirements. BBMP is also planning to organise a ‘Bangalore Summit’
soon, to seek the help of private parties to adopt its properties such
as roads, parks and educational institutions.

Meanwhile, officials
and councillors are already looking at colour schemes for these
institutions. According to A Kodanda Reddy, chairman, BBMP standing
committee for education, the members of his panel are proposing to adopt
a tricolour scheme on all schools and college buildings. “This will
make the buildings look distinct and will be easy to identify,” he said.
He said the committee will send its recommendations to the BBMP
Commissioner. “We will ask our officials to give cost estimates,” he
added.

Reddy said there was no uniformity in the existing colour
schemes at BBMP-run institutions. “Some of the schools are painted with
lime, which is sticky. Now, we are using non-sticky, quality colours
that makes the buildings look more attractive,” he added.

Sources
from BBMP said some BJP councillors had earlier suggested saffron as the
main colour. “But, there were strong objections from JD(S) and Congress
councillors. So, we had to drop the idea,” said a BJP councillor.

The
plan for a uniform colour scheme, however, could pose another problem
for officials. A senior BBMP official told Express that not all of its
schools and colleges were housed in individual buildings. “We do not
have problems in adopting a uniform colour pattern on institutions
housed in individual buildings. But, there are institutions that share a
building with other BBMP offices. We cannot just paint the floor that
has schools and colleges as it would look awkward,” the official said.