PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief secretary Anand Bardhan has directed officials that all government schools in the State should have girls’ toilets by March 8, 2026. Chairing a meeting on Tuesday, he pointed out that while most schools have toilets, they often remain unused due to a lack of proper sanitation and hygiene. He directed the Education department to develop a work plan to ensure the availability of toilets and sanitation facilities in government schools in the State. Bardhan emphasised the importance of organising two to three-day excursions for students to explore the State’s tourist destinations, stating this would provide them an opportunity to learn about the State and its unique features.
He also asked that all Anganwadi centres in the State be equipped with necessary facilities. Further, he called for the full utilisation of CSR funds for Anganwadi centres in the fiscal year 2026-27. He stressed the need for universities and colleges to adopt Anganwadi centres in their surrounding areas and suggested establishing new Anganwadi centres near schools.
The Sports department was directed to prepare an action plan to maximise the use of existing sports infrastructure throughout the year. He talked about the upcoming launch of a Sports University while speaking about setting ambitious goals and preparing for the long term. To ensure Uttarakhand athletes participate in the 2036 Olympic Games, potential athletes must be identified now. He directed the identification and preparation of 1,000-1,500 children through competitions and instructed district officials to select the most popular sport in their areas and designate it as “One District, One Sport.”
The CS also directed all secretaries to implement a 100 per cent e-office system in their departments and district-level offices. While departments like the Home department have already fully implemented e-office, he has asked the IT Development Agency (ITDA) to continue working towards this implementation in other departments. Additionally, he instructed that Aadhaar ID-based biometric attendance be introduced across the State by linking it to the salary system (Integrated Financial Management System – IFMS). He directed the ITDA to prepare a mechanism for this promptly.
Additionally, he has directed the Tourism secretary to identify five to seven destinations in the State for the “One State, One Global Destination” initiative. He urged all districts to immediately share their lists of top tourist destinations with the Tourism secretary. He also encouraged districts to identify “One District, One Festival” to promote their special festivals.
