Port Blair, Aug 14: As directed by the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands during his visit to Havelock Islands, the Directorate of Education has initiated several steps for improvement of educational activities. It is worth mentioning here that many parents are sitting in Dharna at Havelock demand better education related infrastructure.
According to report, Deputy Education Officer (Sci) has already visited Havelock and all laboratory equipments/chemicals have been made available for the GSSS Havelock. Till the time new labs are constructed, APWD will take action to create temporary laboratory facilities for the benefit of the students.
A release issued by the Secretary cum Director of Education Department today said that fund has already been released for construction of additional 08 Nos. class rooms and two toilet blocks for GSSS Havelock. However as it may take longer time, APWD has been asked to provide temporary class rooms for the benefit of the students.
He said that action has already been taken for construction of three science labs at GSSS Havelock. In the meantime APWD is being requested to construct three temporary labs for the benefits of the students.
According to the Secretary, two qualified teachers of Physics and Biology have already been posted on contract basis till posts are created on regular basis by the Govt. of India. It has been done with the view to ensure that teaching of science subject is not hampered.
“As regards, Lab Assistants and Lab Attendants, the Principal has been directed to recruit qualified persons on contract basis to ensure the smooth conduct of practical classes for the students. Fund has already been received for construction of 251 kitchen sheds for mid-day meal scheme for all remaining schools under A&N Administration. The construction work will be taken up shortly by APWD,” he said.
The Secretary said that the APWD has been asked to undertake regular survey of schools with a view to carry out necessary repair and improvement in building infrastructure as per the requirements. APWD has also been requested to ensure the supply of potable water to all schools as per prescribed norms. Panchayats have been supplied with water testing kits by APWD and therefore Panchayat members are requested to conduct random testing.
“There is acute shortage of GTTs and PSTs in almost all schools of A&N Administration. Over all 205 PSTs and 168 GTTs posts are lying vacant. In view of this the Administration is matching the shortfall by providing teachers on contract basis. The Administration has already posted nine teachers under SSA scheme to meet the shortage in Havelock Islands. Additional teaching staff shall be provided to any school as per the norms and requirements. As regards complaint of some teachers commuting from Port Blair to Havelock and not following prescribed time, the school management committee is requested to identify and send the name of such defaulting teachers so that necessary action can be taken against them,” he said.
Mr. D.N. Singh, Secretary-cum-Director (Education) further said that in all schools toilet blocks for boys and girls are separate. However, APWD is being requested to under take survey for requirement of additional toilet blocks if any and submit the same for sanction. In the meantime, APWD has been requested to undertake the repair and maintenance of existing toilet blocks.
“GSSS Havelock, GMS Kishnanagar and GPS Radhanagar already have functional play grounds. However for GMS Kalapathar, GPS Havelock Jetty and GPS Havelock 6.5, revenue department has been requested to allot land for constructing play grounds for these schools. For supply of sports materials, action has already been started and the same will be supplied to all the schools very shortly. Procurement of furniture has already been started and is being supplied to all the schools. The Principals are being instructed to start student-teacher cooperative canteen on no profit no loss basis in all schools as is being done in other schools of the Islands,” Mr. Singh added.
He mentioned that upgradation of classes in Hindi medium and English medium from secondary to senior secondary level in GSSS Havelock can be done only on creation of posts and infrastructure for which action will be initiated. In GPS Kalapathar, Headmaster for middle class is being posted very shortly. As regards, posting of Headmaster at Govt. PS Radhanagar is concerned, in view of the fact that there are only 14 students in school and also keeping in view the shortage of Headmaster in all parts of A&N Islands, a responsible teacher has been made Headmaster in-charge.
“One regular Craft Instructor has already been posted in GSSS Havelock. The Principal has been instructed to appoint one more Craft Instructor on contract. As regards, engagement of Peon-cum-Chowkidar and Sweeper-cum-mali, the Head of the schools have already been permitted to post required number of these staff on DRM basis as multitasking staff till regular appointment is made by A&N Administration. Regarding construction of four class rooms for GMS Krishnanagar and renovation of existing building, a request has already been sent to APWD. As soon as estimates are received, the fund will be released for the same,” he said.
Mr. Singh further added that additional subject of Home Science, Physical Education, Painting etc, shall be started after creation of posts and recruitment of teaching staff. Action in this regard will be initiated shortly.
“Fund has already been released for fencing of all the schools under A&N Administration. The APWD is preparing the estimate and will start work after completion of formalities. As regards, posting of Vice Principal in GSSS Havelock, it is informed that the school is having only 846 students. In view of shortage of Principal and Vice Principal in almost all zones of A&N Islands, either Principal or Vice Principal is being provided in the school where student strength is below 1000. However, with availability of more Vice Principals, after completion of promotion procedure, action will be taken to post Vice Principal at GSSS Havelock,” he said added that the Lt. Governor has asked Chief Secretary and Secretary-cum-Director of Education to take all necessary steps for welfare of students and improvement of education related infrastructure and facilities.
