Minister to visit disaster affected area soon
Punjab Newsline, Shimla-
Education Minister Rohit Thakur today chaired a meeting to review the status of schools and colleges damaged due to the recent disaster in Mandi district. He expressed serious concern over the massive damage caused to educational institutions and directed the officials to take immediate measures to restore and repair the affected schools and colleges so as ensure that the studies of students continue without any interruption. He said that he would personally visit the disaster affected areas in Mandi soon.
The Minister said that as many as 219 schools which have suffered damages in disaster hit areas of Mandi district have been made functional. He said that efforts were being made to shift the few schools which have developed huge cracks in the nearest vacant government buildings, Mahila Mandals and community halls.
Rohit Thakur instructed the officers to accelerate repair and restoration works on a war footing so that student's education is not hampered. He also directed them to explore more suitable vacant accommodations to ensure that students have easy access to their temporary schools without having to travel long distances. He stressed the physical monitoring of restoration works by concerned departments should be carried out regularly to ensure quality and timely completion.
The Education Minister further urged for the immediate release of Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) funds from the Centre so that it could be utilized for reconstruction of educational institutions in disaster ravaged areas. He asked the officers to give top priority to those schools that have sustained over 75 percent damage.
Rohit Thakur said that many schools and colleges were severely damaged due to faulty site selections with some institutions constructed close to rivers and khuds. He stressed that henceforth responsibility must be fixed on Deputy Directors during site selection and the schools must be constructed at safe places, away from rivers and rivulets to ensure the safety of the students and the staff.
He expressed grief over the loss of precious lives and extended heartfelt condolences on over dozen deaths during the disaster and prayed for the peace of the departed souls and also expressed sympathy to the families whose near and dear ones were still missing.
The Minister appreciated the tireless efforts of all those who were engaged in relief and rehabilitation works during this difficult time.
The Education Minister also reviewed the progress of various educational schemes including Rajiv Gandhi Model Day Boarding Schools, Atal Adarsh Vidyalayas and discussed about pending recruitment of the teachers. He directed the officials to expedite the recruitment process to fill vacancies at the earliest. He said that notices have already been issued to 320 non-performing teachers and lecturers and strict action would be ensured. He stressed the importance of recognizing the dedication of hardworking teachers particularly those posted in remote areas. He also directed for the early completion of NAAC rankings of colleges and the establishment of well-equipped libraries.
During the meeting, Dr. Rukmini Banerji, CEO of Pratham Education Foundation, shared her valuable views and appreciated the continuous efforts of the Education Department which have resulted in Himachal Pradesh securing the 5th rank in the ASER and PARAKH surveys. She said that the ongoing educational reforms and policies of the present state government have earned the state National-level recognition.
The Education Minister thanked Dr. Rukmini Banerji for her guidance and contribution to the field of education and expressed hope for her continued support in strengthening the education sector of Himachal Pradesh.