Schools given Rs 4 crore to tackle natural disasters: Bains

The Punjab School Education Department has allocated more than Rs 4 crore to educate staff and students on ways to respond during emergency or natural disaster related incidents.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said elementary and secondary schools had been instructed to use funds for setting up display boards with emergency helpline numbers like Police 112, Fire 101, Ambulance 108, Women Helpline 1091, Traffic Helpline 1073 and Child Helpline 1098.

Bains said principals had been instructed to prepare an evacuation plan and install emergency alarms, taking into account the safety of staff and students in an event of fire or natural disaster.

He said the staff had been directed to inspect electrical equipment at regular intervals. The Education Minister said instructions had been issued to call on specialists to tackle natural disasters. He said the school heads would ensure timely uploading of funds on e-Punjab portal.

Bains said, “The Education Department is working to provide quality education and ensure safe environment for the students and staff.”