Replace outdated chalkboards in government schools with digital screens: Dehradun DM

Monday, 23 SEPTEMBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN

The Dehradun district magistrate Savin Bansal has directed the Education department to replace outdated chalkboards in government schools with digital screens. He stated this in a review meeting with the officials concerned of the department on Sunday. He emphasised that no child should be seen sitting on the ground in schools and outdated chalkboards must be replaced with digital screens. Every classroom must be equipped with at least two LED bulbs to ensure proper lighting. He said that libraries in schools must be upgraded and each of them must have newspapers, magazines, dictionaries and biographies of prominent figures to encourage reading and broaden students’ knowledge base. He stated that all classrooms should be equipped with whiteboards and LED screens to facilitate virtual learning. Besides this, classrooms should also feature educational and visually appealing paintings as part of the beautification drive, which aims to create a more engaging learning environment. The DM also outlined plans to provide at least one outdoor sports facility in each school, with a focus on developing volleyball and basketball courts to promote physical well-being alongside academics. He directed the chief education officer Pradeep Rawat to prepare proposals for the same. He said that special facilities will be developed for different age groups like playground equipment like swings, and slides will be installed for students of class I to V. Besides this, older students will also have access to more advanced sports infrastructure. The DM also stressed the importance of basic amenities, instructing education officials to ensure that all schools are equipped with clean drinking water and functional toilets. He directed the department to ensure repairing and thorough cleaning of water tanks, along with provisions for safety measures such as monkey nets. He said that in a comprehensive effort to enhance the quality of education across the district, these key reforms aim at improving school infrastructure and ensuring the holistic development of students. He assured that no financial constraints will hinder the implementation of these reforms. He stated that the budget for these improvements will be thoroughly reviewed under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, with the DM personally taking responsibility for addressing any funding gaps. These initiatives are part of a broader mission to make Dehradun’s schools not just centres for academic excellence but hubs for the overall development of students, combining intellectual growth with physical and social engagement, he added.