September 30 deadline set for reports on condemned classrooms as administration reviews mid-day meals, drinking water, sanitation, plantation and student innovation initiatives
KURUKSHETRA | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena has directed officials to ensure that there is no compromise with the quality of education being provided to children in government schools and that students have access to all essential facilities within their school campuses. Stressing that education, safety, health, nutrition and infrastructure must receive equal attention, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the functioning and ongoing works of the Education Department during a meeting held at the conference hall of the Mini Secretariat on Monday.
Chairing the review meeting, Meena said that every child studying in a government school should receive a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment. He directed officials to closely monitor school infrastructure and ensure that classrooms and other facilities are maintained properly.
A major issue discussed during the meeting was the condition of school buildings and classrooms that have been declared, or are likely to be declared, condemned or unsafe. The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officials to prepare detailed reports within the prescribed timeline regarding such classrooms. The reports are to include information related to reserve prices, auction procedures, repair works and other necessary action connected with condemned structures.
Meena instructed the officials to submit the required reports to the office of the District Education Officer and ensure that the entire exercise is completed by September 30. He said that there should be no unnecessary delay in preparing the reports, as timely documentation and assessment are necessary for taking further decisions regarding repair, maintenance or replacement of unsafe structures.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that children must not face difficulties because of poor infrastructure. He said that the condition of school buildings should be regularly assessed and all necessary measures should be taken to provide students with safe classrooms and basic amenities.
The quality of food provided under the mid-day meal programme was also reviewed during the meeting. Meena said that the food served to schoolchildren must meet proper quality and hygiene standards. He made it clear that negligence in matters concerning the health and nutrition of children would not be acceptable.
He directed officials of the District Food and Supplies Department to conduct periodic sampling of food provided under the mid-day meal programme. Regular checks, he said, would help verify the quality of food and ensure that prescribed standards are being followed.
The Deputy Commissioner also asked concerned departments to coordinate with the Education Department to maintain effective monitoring of the programme. He said that nutritious and safe meals are an important part of the overall welfare of children studying in government schools.
Special attention was also given to the availability and quality of drinking water in schools. Meena directed officials of the Public Health Engineering Department and the Health Department to conduct regular testing of drinking water supplied to students.
The concerned departments were instructed to submit reports regarding water quality to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. The objective, he said, is to ensure that children have access to safe and clean drinking water and that any issue related to water contamination or quality is identified and addressed without delay.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed the District Education Officer to ensure that Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) are regularly organised in all schools. He said that communication between teachers and parents is important for monitoring the academic progress, behaviour and overall development of students.
Meena also stressed the need for effective work under the NIPUN Haryana programme. He asked education officials and teachers to ensure that the objectives of the programme are implemented properly and that efforts are made to improve learning outcomes among students.
Cleanliness and hygiene in school campuses were also discussed in detail. The Deputy Commissioner said that special attention should be paid to keeping classrooms, playgrounds and other areas of schools clean. A clean environment, he said, contributes to the health and well-being of students and also encourages them to develop responsible habits.
The meeting also reviewed environmental awareness activities being undertaken through schools. Meena encouraged officials to increase participation in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and called for the plantation of more saplings in and around school campuses.
According to information shared during the meeting, more than 80,000 saplings have already been planted through the Education Department under the campaign. District Education Officer Vinod Kaushik informed the Deputy Commissioner that the department would continue its efforts to promote plantation and environmental awareness among students.
The review meeting also focused on initiatives aimed at encouraging innovation and practical learning among schoolchildren. The Deputy Commissioner was informed that Atal Tinkering Labs have been approved for 17 schools in the district. Teachers associated with these laboratories have already received the required training.
These facilities are expected to provide students with opportunities to develop creativity, innovation and practical problem-solving skills. The initiative is designed to encourage young learners to explore technology and experiment with new ideas beyond conventional classroom education.
Another important initiative discussed during the meeting was the “Naya Kurukshetra Nai Awaaz” campaign. Under this programme, 61 students from the district have been selected and given an opportunity to engage with Kurukshetra’s historical and cultural heritage through digital content creation.
The selected students visited religious and significant locations in Kurukshetra and prepared digital video content based on the history and importance of these places. A digital workshop for the students is expected to be organised soon to further strengthen their skills in digital communication and content creation.
The initiative is aimed at combining education, creativity, technology and awareness about the district’s heritage. It also provides students with an opportunity to develop skills that can be useful in the changing digital environment.
Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena said that improving the education system requires coordinated work on several fronts. Along with classroom teaching, authorities must ensure safe buildings, nutritious food, clean drinking water, sanitation, regular interaction with parents, environmental awareness and opportunities for innovation.
He directed all concerned officials to carry out their responsibilities within the stipulated timeframe and maintain close coordination with one another. The administration, he said, expects the Education Department and other agencies to ensure that every government school provides students with a safe and supportive environment for learning and personal development.
District Education Officer Vinod Kaushik assured the meeting that reports related to school maintenance and infrastructure would be completed within the prescribed timeline.
The meeting was attended by ADC and CEO, Zila Parishad-cum-Link Officer Pankaj Setia, CMGGA Muskan, District Education Officer Vinod Kaushik and other officials associated with the Education Department.
POD/DESK
