Students to get cultural, festive welcome on schools’ reopening
Amandeep Singh, currently heading PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Bhogiwal, in Ahmedgarh block, speaks to Mahesh Sharma about the facilities available in government schools that many remain unaware of.
How has your journey in government schools been so far?
I began teaching as a government school lecturer in 2006. I was fortunate to find some success early on, as I already had a grasp of teaching fundamentals, coming from a family of educators. In fact, I had started teaching underprivileged students in my neighbourhood while I was still a learner myself. Supporting school heads in administrative tasks helped prepare me to lead teaching teams when I was later entrusted with heading one of the district’s most trusted government schools.
What transitional phases have you observed during your tenures as a teacher and administrator in government schools?
Teaching, particularly in government schools, has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two decades. With the phased modernisation and digitalisation of classrooms, teachers have become more enthusiastic and dedicated. Students, too, are now more curious and demanding. Unlike earlier, when a teacher could simply walk into class and deliver a lecture, today’s educators must prepare thoroughly and gather deep subject knowledge before engaging with students.
Why do people prefer private schools over government schools?
This is a misconception, particularly among those who view school branding as a status symbol rather than focusing on quality education. In reality, many students return to government schools from private institutions each year. Families from nearby towns, cities and villages choose our school for studies in science, commerce and humanities streams.
Are sufficient funds available for the development of government school education?
There is no dearth of funds for maintaining or enhancing the standard of education, infrastructure development, or skill enhancement in government schools. Special category schools, such as PM Shri, Schools of Eminence and Smart Schools, receive even more resources and facilities.
What should be the strategy to secure adequate funds for government school development?
Heads and staff in administrative positions must remain alert to funding opportunities, not only from the Education Department but also from other government departments. Sharing details of every email or circular about new schemes with staff acts as a catalyst-some teachers naturally take interest in particular areas and take the lead in securing funds.
Why do many school heads complain about a scarcity of funds?
As I said, funds are available. However, poor coordination with sanctioning authorities and weak record-keeping can delay project implementation. It’s not the availability of funds that’s lacking, but the systems to access and manage them effectively.
What are other facilities and attractions at government schools that people may not know about?
Government schools, especially those in special categories, are equipped with facilities that most private schools cannot afford. Under the PM Shri scheme, we receive additional funds to invite subject experts who raise awareness among students about social issues and life risks. Almost all students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular and sports activities and can join programmes like the Student Police Cadet (SPC) Scheme, NSS, Eco Club and NCC. We also provide study materials for competitive exams, free expert coaching for NEET and JEE, a Virtual Reality laboratory, and dedicated counsellors-facilities that most people are unaware are available in government schools.
Ludhiana