Various initiatives have been taken in Rampur district to improve enrollment and attendance of students in schools and regularity of teachers along with schools’ infrastructure, says Mahendra Bahadur Singh, District Magistrate, Rampur, Government of Uttar Pradesh, in conversation with Arpit Gupta of Elets News Network (ENN).
What are the various initiatives taken by you to improve the education sector in Rampur?
When I joined as a District Magistrate in Rampur, I initiated the campaign “Swachh Rampur, Sundar Rampur” with an aim to create awareness about hygiene and cleanliness. Subsequently, all Gram Panchayats were instructed to renovate government schools’ building with neat and clean premises. Moreover, I also felt the need of motivating teachers to ensure regular classes and improved attendance of students in class. Along with that I ensured that teachers should not be suspended for small errors to avoid their demoralisation. I initiated a doorto- door movement for students’ registration and attendance and created WhatsApp groups of school teachers and government officials in the education department to manage the same. Minimum 60 per cent attendance target was given to each school. The idea was to seek feedback from the people why they are reluctant to send their wards to schools. Those who did outstanding work, were praised on the groups. It helped creating a positive environment in the district and conducting regular classes in the schools.
To impart quality education, we have to create good environment and infrastructure in the schools. Uniform and stationary should be distributed to teachers.
What efforts are being made by the district administration to improve the education system?
We have started sudden inspection of government schools twice in a month to understand the problems with on the spot solutions and also rewarding the schools and teachers for their extraordinary job. Besides, weekly random inspections are also being carried out by Sub- Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Tehsildar. They also take feedbacks from teachers.
The district administration is also working on upgradation of schools through 14th finance commission funds. We are also trying to develop software like ECI but due to lack of technical expertise, it couldn’t happen so far.
What changes have you seen in the mindset of people so far?
There are many examples. Primary school in Lalpur Kala (Saidnagar block) has been given a look and feel of Express train to attract students. According to the principal of the school Shabnam Aara, the on-roll students have increased up to 162, out of which 40 students have been added recently after the renovation of the school building. The school also organises competition, activities and programmes like that of any convent school.
Primary and Junior High School, Krishna Nagar, Bilaspur (Rampur) has become a role model for others. It has 162 students in junior section and 290 students in the primary section. There are nine teachers and two mentors to teach the students. This became possible following the sincere efforts made by Principal (Junior) Hariram Divakar and Principal (Primary) Archana Pandey.
Besides, the primary school in Alinagar Jagir village is at par with private schools in terms of infrastructure after its renovation happened due to sincere efforts of the village head (Gram Pradhan).
As a public servant, what changes would you like to see in the current education system of India?
We should utilise at least 50 per cent funds allocated for education in the budget under the 14th Finance Commission. More enrollment and attendance of students will motivate teachers leading to better teaching-learning processes. Performance based incentives should be given to teachers to encourage them for continuing the good work. Incentives may be in the form of monetary benefits or choice transfer/posting.
My wish is to start evening classes for the students in Panchayat Bhavan. I will try to introduce the concept at panchayat level in Rampur and invite teachers to volunteer for the same.
To impart quality education, we have to create good environment and infrastructure in the schools. Uniform and stationary should be distributed to teachers.
The district administration is also working on upgradation of schools through 14th finance commission funds. We are also trying to develop software like ECI but due to lack of technical expertise, it couldn’t happen so far.
Please describe about coaching education model adopted in Banda. How is it helpful for the students?
It was a wonderful model. When I was posted at Banda as the district magistrate, I initiated to renovate the government library. The objective was to create a 24×7 self-study room for the students who are preparing for competitive exams but cannot afford fee of coaching centres. With the help of my wife and Akanksha committee, an NGO working for the welfare of children, the basic amenities were ensured. I motivated students and created awareness through social media about using the library. Within four months, regular attendance of students in the library was around 80. It was a successful initiative because we used to have a weekly interaction. Students were free to meet me anytime and discuss their problems.
People also came forward for the cause and contributed chairs, audio system etc. Teachers were taking classes voluntarily and conducting group discussion. It was under constant monitoring by my wife and Akanksha committee members.
You are quite active on social media. How does it help you connect with the public?
Social media is a revolutionary medium for registering one’s complaints/suggestions to the right person. I handle my all social media accounts on my own i.e. Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. Whenever there is any complaint from public, I take quick action by forwarding it to the concerned authority and doing follow ups. Usually, the complaints are related to electricity department, Municipal Corporation, Tehsil etc. Social media also allows us to showcase our good work and appreciate others.
