Zilla parishad goes on war footing to bring back kids to schools

The Education Department of Pune Zilla Parishad (ZP),alarmed by the dip in number of students in ZP schools,has now undertaken a campaign to address the issue. It has launched the 15-day special enrollment drive wherein officials and school administration would raise awareness about the Right To Education (RTE) Act and get more students registered. The ZP will also establish e-learning facilities in 75 schools and around 100 schools have been made semi-English medium.

In February,The Indian Express had reported that while the number of schools had gone up from 3,613 in 2010-11 to 3,725 in 2011-12,the number of students had come down from 2.66 lakh to 2.56 lakh. “As part of the drive,the department has organised awareness rallies and special gram sabhas. Village elders are being urged to ensure that the all children aged 6-14 years are enrolled in schools,” said primary education officer,Dattatraya Shendkar.

The department held meetings with block education officers,education extension officers and school principals,he said. “Apart from this,we are also starting e-learning facilities in 75 schools and making 100 schools semi-English. We are hoping that this would help us attract students and compete with private schools,” said Shendkar.

Story continues below this ad

According to Pandurang Memane,extension officer,the department was planning to make about 500 schools semi-English,but got permission for only 100. E-learning facilities will be set up in schools in all 13 talukas. The schools will be equipped with Internet connection,an LCD projector with screen and furniture.

“Initially,this will be implemented for Stds I to VII and extended to Std X later. An e-learning programme developed by noted educationist Vijay Bhatkar will help students have better understanding of subjects like geometry and science,” said Memane.