Shimla: Education minister Rohit Thakur on Friday directed that buildings vacated following school mergers across the state be repurposed according to local needs, suggesting their use as digital learning centres, pre-primary sections, Mahila Mandals, skill labs, sports facilities or community resource centres.He also stressed the need to remove administrative barriers between primary and secondary schools to enable the shared use of laboratories, libraries, playgrounds and teaching staff. Chairing a review with deputy directors of school education, the cabinet minister stressed their accountability for policy implementation and measurable improvements in learning outcomes. He ordered strict, time-bound utilisation of funds under Samagra Shiksha, with all expenditures completed by March 31, and intensified field monitoring.
The minister also reviewed the rationalisation of science and commerce streams in 1,970 govt senior secondary schools, with science active in 818 schools and commerce in 799. He instructed optimal faculty deployment while ensuring equitable access to quality education. Merged schools will serve as Board exam centres under direct principal supervision, with CCTV cameras in all halls and special attention to previously identified black spots.Thakur raised concerns over private school delays in issuing school leaving certificates, directing timely resolution. He reviewed inspection reports, mid-day meal monitoring, student health programmes, and digital tracking of teacher attendance to strengthen accountability. MSID:: 128853113 413 |
