Haryana Government Allocates Rs. 1,074.2 Lakh to Empower Students, Promote Innovation, and Ensure Hygiene: CS
Chandigarh, Oct 5- Haryana Chief Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal said that the Project Approval Board of the Union Ministry of Education has allocated Rs. 201,346.71 lakh to improve the quality of education, infrastructure, and overall well-being of students in Haryana, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, skill development, and innovation.
While presiding over the 4 Executive Committee of Haryana Samagrh Siksha here today, the Chief Secretary disclosed that the Government of India has selected 3,893 benchmark schools in Haryana based on their performance in seven domains, as defined by the Ministry. In the first phase, 124 senior secondary schools were chosen as PM SHRI schools after a rigorous selection process involving School Level Selection Committees, District Level Verification Committees, and State Level Committees. He said that Model Sanskriti schools were not considered for selection. To help these schools transform, a budget of Rs. 8,526.76 lakh has been approved for 124 PM SHRI schools in Haryana.
Mr. Kaushal emphasized the importance of providing dedicated support to physically and mentally challenged students. During the discussion on broadening students’ practical education experiences beyond the state, he directed the officers to arrange educational trips to renowned institutions such as ISRO, Science City, and other organizations to enrich their scientific knowledge on a national level. Additionally, he urged the officers to educate students about cybercrimes and financial literacy, equipping them with essential life skills. He also underscored the importance of ensuring the accessibility of basic amenities such as clean drinking water, toilets and electricity. He directed the district-level officers to prioritize inspections of girls’ toilets in schools to ensure their cleanliness.
He also stressed the need to ensure availability of basic amenities like drinking water, toilets and power etc. He directed the officers at district level to check girls toilets and ensure the maintenance and repair work where needed.
To empower students, foster innovation in education, and ensure hygiene, a sum of Rs. 1,074.2 lakh has been earmarked to nurture talents, ensure safety, and prepare students for a technologically advanced future during the current fiscal year. These initiatives include: Rani Laxmibai Atma Raksha Prashikshan Programme (Self-Defence Training for Girls Students): With a budget of Rs. 614 lakh, this initiative aims to empower girls across 4,098 schools with essential self-defence skills, ensuring their safety and well-being. Learning Coding and Robotics Activity: With a budget of Rs. 460.2 lakh, this programme is fostering innovation in 354 Government Senior Secondary Schools. It encourages technological proficiency among students from the 6th to 12th grades, promoting creativity and critical thinking. The training has been started on September 26, 2023, shaping future leaders and innovators.
Sanitary Pad Vending & Incinerator Machines (SPVI): The Project Approval Board of MoE has recommended a budget of Rs. 550.63 lakh (@ 39500/- per school) for 1394 schools to provide SPVI machines for the distribution and disposal of sanitary pads. The procurement process has commenced, with 350 machines already installed, and the remaining 464 will be procured through a fresh tender, he added.
Interaction of Girl Students with Role Models:
Mr. Kaushal said that to promote girls’ education, “Interaction Sessions with Local Role Models” for classes 6th to 12th have been initiated. An amount of Rs. 84.92 lakh for 1,544 Elementary schools and Rs. 51.5 lakh for 1,030 Secondary schools has been approved under Girls Empowerment.
School Learning Acceleration Programme for Girls and SC Students in District Nuh:
The School Learning Acceleration Programme, known as Shiksha Sahayak, is being implemented by the Mewat Development Agency (MDA) to accelerate students’ learning levels. Rs. 701.6863 lakh for 805 Elementary schools and Rs. 110.70082 lakh for 127 Secondary schools.
Divyang Students: The Chief Secretary said that the state government is committed to provide inclusive education to divyang students. The allowances provided by the government help to support these students in their education. Currently, 21,111 divyang students (15,683 in pre-primary to 8th grade and 5,428 in 9th to 12th grade) are enrolled in 119 blocks of 22 districts in Haryana, according to UDISE 2021-22 data. A total of 373 Special Educators (141 for pre-primary to 8th grade and 232 for 9th to 12th grade) are working for the welfare of divyang students.
The state government provides the following allowances to divyang students include: Reader Allowance: This allowance is provided to students who need reading assistance. It is Rs. 300 per student per month for 10 months.
Home Based Allowance: This allowance is provided to students who are unable to attend school due to their disability. It is Rs. 200 per student per month for 10 months.
Escort Allowance: This allowance is provided to students who need assistance getting to and from school. It is Rs. 150 per month for pre-primary students and Rs. 200 per month for 1st to 12th grade students, for 10 months.
In-Service Training of Special Teachers: This training program is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of special teachers in collaboration with the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), Dehradun.
Therapeutic Services: This programme provides corrective surgeries to divyang students in partnership with the Health Department.
Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Mr. Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary, School Education, Mr. Sudhir Rajpal, Director, Elementary Education, Mr. Anshaj Singh and other senior officers of School education were present in the meeting