Education Sector in Punjab set for Makeover says Education Minster Aruna Chaudhary
Education Minister, Punjab, Mrs. Aruna Chaudhary said that the Punjab Government is fully geared up and duty bound to provide quality education for all perfectly in keeping with the vision spelled out by the Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh. Disclosing further, the minister said that changes have been made to 16 rules thus paving the way for reduced litigation and saving precious time, money and resources of both the respondent as well as the defendant. Listing out the achievements of the department, the minister said that the initiative of 'Padho Punjab, Padhao Punjab' campaign was undertaken as per which steps were taken to upgrade the pre-primary, primary and upper primary level education. Adding more, the minister said that 1953 schools have been identified in the state with a view to provide instruction in English medium. The concept of 'Smart Class Rooms' would be the main focus and would be commenced in the Government Primary Schools for which a separate budgetary provision would be made and the NABARD would provide Rs. 60 crore assistance. Mrs. Chaudhary said that a plan is being chalked out to provide internet facility; free books would be provided to the students of all categories from 1st-8thstandard and till 9th and 10thstandard for those students belonging to the SC and BC category by the Punjab Government. The powers regarding pursuing of higher education by the teachers were delegated at the Drawing & Disbursal Officer (DDO). The draft outlining the transfer policy and rationalising policy for keeping the intact the teacher-student ratio in the schools has been sent to the cabinet. The important aspect of promotion of teachers was also touched upon as per which 551 were promoted as Principals, 800 were promoted from ETT/JBT to Master Cadre, 722 from ETT/JBT to Head Teacher and Center Head Teacher and 50 were promoted as Block Primary Education Officer. A total of 400 evaluation centres instead of 168 are in the process of being established by the Punjab Government. The results of 10th and 12th classes would be declared within 15 days of the end of examinations. The target of printing the books even before the 2018-19 academic session is also likely to be met. -PTC News
