17 schools upgrade for ‘happiness’

At the Government Elementary School, Kallha (Tarn Taran), located in the Khadoor Sahib block, development work for new classrooms, a library and smart labs is progressing at a rapid pace. As one of the 17 government elementary/primary schools in the district selected under the Punjab Government’s “School of Happiness” project, this small school, with approximately 300 students, is set to give competition to the private schools in the vicinity.

During a recent visit to Tarn Taran, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accompanied by AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, announced that 17 government elementary schools in the district are being developed into world-class institutions under the “School of Happiness” project. This initiative comes in line with the previously launched “Schools of Eminence” programme, which focused on upgrading senior secondary schools with improved infrastructure and academics.

According to CM Mann, the new project aims to deliver quality education, modern facilities and a joyful learning environment even in the remotest border and rural belts of Punjab. Selected schools have been given funds for the development works.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann are monitoring the project to ensure that these schools emerge as models in every aspect. The transformation aims to create an attractive, modern and nurturing learning environment for students.

Smart School Coordinators Gurmeet Singh Khalsa and Amandeep Singh said the required grants have been released by the government and on-ground work is moving swiftly. “These schools will feature smart, well-designed classrooms, LED panels, computer labs, smart playgrounds with swings, slides and fitness equipment, modern kitchens, pantry sheds and special entry gates with upgraded security,” said Khalsa.

The development works are being carried out at a total cost of Rs 1.70 crore. Under the 29th scheme of NABARD, Government Elementary School, Kallha, is one of the four schools in the district to receive an initial instalment of Rs 10 lakh, while additional Rs 79 lakh is expected to be released soon.

Dinesh Kumar, head teacher at the school, said work is underway on all 12 development components. “We have around 300 students, including 86 in nursery, LKG and UKG, while the rest are in classes I to V. All our students belong to nearby border villages, and for them, this is the only accessible and affordable educational option,” he said.

In the first phase of development, the school has set up a computer lab with five computers and 20 chairs. However, Kumar noted a critical issue — the absence of a computer teacher. “Infrastructure alone isn’t enough. We need teaching staff as well,” he stressed.

Village Sarpanch Gursimratpal Kaur said the students can truly benefit from the computers only under the guidance of a qualified teacher. “Appointments must be made without delay, ideally before the work is completed,” she said.

Other government elementary schools in Tarn Taran district where development work is currently underway include those at Narli, Sursing, Chabal Kalan (Girls School), Mannan, Jawandpur, Khadoor Sahib, Veio Poin, Dhotian, Naurangabad, Rattokke Gurdwara, Harike and Sabhra.