Exposure visits for students to increase awareness and promote curiosity-based education- DC directs education department

Ludhiana, September 2, 2024: To enhance awareness and promote curiosity-driven education among government school students, Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney on Monday directed the education department officials to submit proposal of taking students on visits to specific locations in Ludhiana.

The aim is to increase students' knowledge across various fields and their surroundings. Ludhiana offers several heritage sites, museums, a zoo, Punjab Agricultural University, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, a Planetarium, banks, post offices, and more. In addition, students will also visit fields to learn about the state's cropping patterns besides solid-waste management project site. These visits are intended to promote curiosity-driven education among upper-primary school students. Each visit will include two teachers to ensure the students' safety and convenience.

Furthermore, the Deputy Commissioner suggested observing a bag-free day once a week for primary school students to encourage their creativity. Officials were asked to submit a proposal on this initiative soon. Additionally, the discussion involved the details of 856 specially-abled students (Divyangs) in government schools. The officials were instructed to ensure these students have access to quality education. As per the education department, 303 of these students are receiving home-based education through 31 inclusive education resource teachers and 72 inclusive education assistant teachers.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of providing education for every child in the district. According to a survey conducted by the education department in November-December of the previous year, 219 children were identified as not attending school, with 205 of them now enrolled. The remaining 14 students moved back to their native states.

In addition, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the progress of infrastructure development projects in schools across the district. The meeting encompassed discussions on on-going construction activities, midday meal programs, Student Support Assistance (SSA) programs, the E-Punjab portal, inclusive education for students with disabilities, the U-Dise survey, food grain distribution, toilet facilities, and more. The status of projects initiated under the MPLAD scheme was also reviewed. She stated that education is a top priority for Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, with a special focus on strengthening government schools in Punjab.