Adopt concept of ‘extended schools’: Guv

Charu Chhibber

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 14

“We must adopt the concept of ‘extended schools’, where students can complete their work, eat, play in the school itself and return home without any long list of homework,” emphasised VP Singh Badnore, Governor of Punjab and UT Administrator, during the inauguration of four new government schools in the city today.

“This will ensure that parents and children get to spend quality time together without worrying about the burden of homework. But for that, parents will have to come forward and take the initiative,” he exhorted.

The Governor stressed upon adopting the concept, starting with two-three schools. “If it is found to be effective, we can adopt the model in all government schools,” he told the officials of the Chandigarh Education Department.

In order to implement the concept effectively, Badnore suggested that retired Generals, Admirals, Governors, judges and senior civil retired officers, who are residing in the city, can come to the schools as guest faculty and share their experiences thereby preparing and motivating the future generation. “The kind of motivation such sessions will evoke among the children will be humungous,” he said.

Congratulating the Administration for their efforts to expand the quality of education by opening four government schools simultaneously in the city, Badnore said education plays a vital role in shaping a child’s personality, setting role models for the society and imbibing moral values.

“Brick and mortar do not make schools, students do. You are lucky to have such beautiful schools, such excellent infrastructure,” the Governor added.

Recalling how he was deprived of the opportunity to become a great orator during his formative years, Badnore said it was important to develop oratory skills at a young age. “We must organise two-minute speeches every day in every class for every student to make them a future orator and bring in the confidence.” He added that such kind of training if given in right direction sets up leadership quality in the students, right from the beginning.

He also stressed upon the role that schools would play in making PM Narendra Modi’s Digital India project a success.

Meanwhile, addressing the gathering, MP Kirron Kher, said, “It was the desire of the residents of these areas to have a model school that has been fulfilled today.” She appreciated the fast track efforts taken by the Adviser to the Administrator in ensuring that the schools were ready in a stipulated time.

Notably, the inauguration of four new government schools — Government Model High School, Sector 48; GMHS-49, GMHS, Pocket No. 1, Mani Majra; and Government Model Middle School, MHC, Mani Majra, was done today by the Governor in the presence of MP Kirron Kher, UT Adviser to the Administrator Parimal Rai, Finance and Education Secretary Sarvjit Singh, Principal Secretary to the Governor MP Singh, IG Police TS Luthra, Director, School Education, Rubinderjit Singh Brar, Chief Architect Kapil Setia and other senior officials of the Administration.

What they say

"Let us make government schools so good that people stop sending their children to private schools because best teachers come to government schools." — VP Singh Badnore, Punjab Governor

"Children in Dhanas complained that teachers were not coming to classes. I urge the Education Department to act tough on such teachers. Just suspension is not enough. Take stricter action. The day we get teachers who want to teach children from their heart, will be a fortunate day." — Kirron Kher, Member of parliament

"Education is the most important requirement of a society. How the education seed is planted and nourished is what makes a society stand apart from the rest." — Sarvjit Singh, Education secretary

"This is the first time ever that four schools are being inaugurated simultaneously. It is a proud day for us. I assure that in next 6 months, you will see a remarkable qualitative improvement in education. We will conduct surprise checks to ensure quality education is being provided to our students. I trust my teachers." — Rubinderjit Singh Brar, Director, school education