Itanagar, Oct 26: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu made a significant announcement regarding the closure of 400 government schools with zero attendance during the Platinum Jubilee celebration of Government Secondary School, Balek, which was recognized as a ‘Heritage School.’ The Chief Minister laid out his vision for education, highlighting the importance of quality education over quantity.
Khandu attributed the lack of adequate infrastructure and staffing in numerous schools to what he termed the “politics of appeasement.” He underscored his government’s commitment to focusing on the quality of educational initiatives and projects rather than political considerations.
“We have taken education very seriously. In fact, we have shut down about 400 government schools with zero attendance,” Khandu announced, adding, “The process is still ongoing. We don’t need more schools; we need quality education from the existing schools, for which the government is extending all support.”
The Chief Minister further emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh had been too preoccupied with establishing new schools and hadn’t paid sufficient attention to the quality of education being provided.
In response to this, Khandu introduced an ambitious plan to declare all government schools established before Independence as ‘Heritage Schools.’ These schools will receive special attention for infrastructure development, including the creation of a museum within their premises.
In response to a request by the Platinum Jubilee celebration organizers, Khandu expressed his appreciation for the proposal, saying, “Not only this school but all pre-Independence government schools in the state will be declared Heritage Schools with a museum showcasing their rich history.”
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Government Secondary School, Balek, initially established as a Lower Primary school in 1946, is celebrating its Platinum Jubilee. Khandu commended the school for its 75-year journey, considering that Arunachal Pradesh attained full statehood only in 1987, decades after the school’s establishment.
Recognizing the contributions of the school’s alumni, Khandu paid tribute to those who have passed away and congratulated those who have served in various capacities and those who have retired.
Khandu also revealed that he had directed the Education department to map all government-run schools in the state to enable the government to effectively monitor each school. He reiterated the importance of School Management Committees (SMCs) in the proper functioning and development of schools. He encouraged SMC members to regularly visit schools, interact with teachers, students, and parents, and report any requirements to the relevant authorities.
During the Platinum Jubilee celebration, the Chief Minister urged the school’s well-educated and knowledgeable alumni to discuss ways to enhance the quality of education in government schools and convey their suggestions to the government.
