The Education Department of Union Territory (UT) embarked on a strategic initiative to address longstanding issues plaguing educational infrastructure.
The proceedings of the Samagra Shiksha scheme project approval board meeting, held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, underscored the urgency in rectifying infrastructure deficiencies, teacher vacancies, and achieving optimal student-teacher ratios. At the heart of the discussion was the imperative to expedite pending infrastructure projects or propose revised plans for non-recurring works. Notably, despite prior approval, a substantial number of classrooms and sanitation facilities remain incomplete. The department has been tasked with prioritising the construction of ICT labs and smart classrooms to enhance educational resources accessibility. Additionally, efforts towards ensuring robust internet connectivity, particularly in secondary and senior secondary schools, have been emphasised.
Director of School Education, Harsuhinder Brar, highlighted the antiquity of pre-Samagra Shiksha projects, stressing the need for comprehensive review and swift action. Moreover, with 10% of elementary schools grappling with adverse pupil-teacher ratios, the department has initiated measures for annual rationalisation of students and teachers to mitigate this challenge. “There’s a high chance they might have been taken care of under the state budget. Additionally, with the current resources and digitalisation, some of these projects may no longer be necessary. However, the backlog will likely be cleared by the end of this year,”
Furthermore, the allocation of Rs 13,591.94 lakh budget for school education in UT for the fiscal year 2024-25 signifies a concerted financial commitment towards educational enhancement under the Samagra Shiksha scheme. Prioritising elementary schools with a substantial allocation, supplemented by provisions for secondary schools and teacher education, underscores the holistic approach towards educational development. In conclusion, the UT Education Department’s proactive stance towards infrastructure augmentation and addressing systemic challenges heralds a promising trajectory for educational advancement in the region.
