Secretary (Education) conducts detailed inspection of LA Schools

National & traditional religious occasions will continue to be observed: D N Singh
Port Blair, Jan 21: In a commendable move, the Secretary (Education), Shri D.N. Singh visited several schools in Little Andaman on 15th and 16th January 2014 viz GMS Krishna Nallah; GMS Rabindra Nagar; GSS V.K. Pur; GSSS R.K. Pur; GMS Netaji Nagar; GPS Nanjappa Nagar; GSSS Hut Bay; GSS Harmender Bay; GPS Cilon Basti; GPS Anna Nagar and GPS Break Water.
The Secretary expressed his unhappiness over the non- completion of Physics and Chemistry courses for standard XII students who are due for board examination shortly in GSSS Hut Bay and issued warning to the all concerned to expedite for completion of courses immediately. He also directed the Principal, GSSS Hut Bay to take proper interest in her duties. The school at Krishna Nallah is being run in an old pre-fabric structure catering largely to the children of Forest Corporation employees. Although a new building has been constructed in Netaji Nagar but the parents are reluctant to shift their children to new school as distance of new school is around 3-4 KMs. The Secretary directed the Zonal Officer In-charge to find a suitable solution so that new building can be used appropriately.
The school fencing at GSS Harmender Bay, GMS Netaji Nagar and GPS Nanjappa Nagar was not found to be proper as it leaves gap allowing animals to sneak in the campus. In this connection, APWD is required to be take up corrective measures on priority.
In several schools, the water purifier donated by the SBl is found to be non-functional due to lack of maintenance. Deputy Director Education (Pig) was directed to identify a suitable repair mechanism and ensure that a proper annual maintenance contract is awarded to ensure clean drinking water supply to the children. This should be done within fifteen days.
It was found that GPS Breakwater and GPS Anna Nagar is working in one campus due to shortage of space. The Deputy Director Education (Pig) is required to take up the issue of construction of atleast two pre-fabricated rooms in each of the schools to ease the situation from the next academic year positively.
The mid-day-meal register in GMS Rabindra Nagar was not maintained properly. The incharge was directed to be careful in future. The Govt. teachers accommodation at R.K. Pur was found to be not maintained properly. The APWD may therefore; take up necessary measures to do the needful.
A meeting with PRls and school incharges were also convened in APWD Guest House. The following larger issues were raised during the meeting.
Lack of interest on the part of Principal, GSSS Hut Bay leading to deteriorating atmosphere in the school, non-completion of courses in GSSS Hut Bay, non-engagement of sufficient number of DRMs for sweeping and cleaning, pay fixation after award of MACP to few teachers has not been done even after two years, opening of new schools and new streams, opening of new zonal library at Hut Bay, shortage of furniture, quality of education is not up to the mark, engagement of teaching staff for office work.
The Secretary, in detail responded to each of the above demands and assured that all pending works will be done on priority. He clarified that it is not possible to open new schools and new stream due to non-creation of new posts. He directed to all school incharges and teachers present, to take special remedial classes for weak students and ensure that they achieve the same level of proficiency as other students. He also asked the Head of schools and members of SMC to be very vigilant about Mid day meal and ensure that hygienic food is made available to each child.
The Secretary also informed that the shortage of staff will be partially met after the current recruitment drive is completed. The Deputy Director Education (Plg) was instructed to ensure immediate supply of benches and desks and other school furniture.
There were confusion over observance of Saraswati pooja in schools, the Secretary (Education) clarified that the national and traditional religious occasions will continue to be observed as usual and the same holds good for Saraswati pooja as well, as it is celebrated in schools.

Power suspension
Port Blair, Jan 21: Power supply will remain suspended in some of the areas on 25.01.2014 from 0730 hours to 1500 hours for renovation of six pole structure inside IPP Power Station, replacement of damaged poles at Ferrargunj, replacing of defective isolators at Kanyapuram and other preventive maintenance works subject to weather condition.

The areas to be affected by power disruption are Hope Town, Bambooflat, Stewartgunj, Wimberlygunj, Shoal Bay, Mathura, Ferrargunj, Jirkatang and adjoining areas.