Bureaucrat mentors bringing positive change at govt schools in Ludhiana
In Ludhiana, three schools have been adopted by Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers
Bureaucrats who have adopted government schools and are serving as ‘mentors’ for students are changing things for the better at these institutes.
Last year, the state government had launched a programme urging officials to adopt government schools, interact with students and encourage them to excel.
In Ludhiana, three schools have been adopted by Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers.
The mentors there say though they can’t visit the schools regularly, the institutes are under their constant monitoring and guidance.
Sakshi Sawhney, Chief Administrator, Greater Mohali Area development Authority (GMADA), has adopted the Kishori Lal Jethi Government Girls Senior Secondary School. Sawhney earlier served as the Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner.
Sawhney said she visited the school twice before being transferred to Amritsar, and then Mohali. “Since I have adopted the school, it is a lifelong relationship. I regularly receive feedback from the principal. It may not be possible to visit the school every month, but I am available whenever they need my support. We discussed the students’ aspirations and I was impressed by how varied and talented they are. Some are interested in rapping, fashion designing and space studies, while others aspire to become doctors,” she said.
School principal Rakesh Kumar said Sawhney has been a constant source of support for the students, teachers and the administration. “I can call her anytime to discuss issues. We find solutions. It may be due to her constant motivation that our students are shining. One of our students even played at the national-level in boxing. This programme has yielded fruitful results,” he added.
Himanshu Jain, Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, has adopted Government Senior Secondary School, Miller Ganj. He said the school earlier lacked adequate infrastructure, but the situation has now been improved. “It is encouraging to see students aspiring to become IAS officers. We will provide all possible support to the bright students so that they can excel,” said Jain.
Rupinder Singh, a student of the school in Miller Ganj, said he wanted to be a doctor but the goal has now changed “After seeing the DC visiting our school and bringing about changes using his authority, I aspire to be a civil servant,” he said.
District Education Officer (DEO) Dimple Madan said it was heartening to see schools progressing under the mentorship programme.
She added that the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) Administrator has been regularly visiting the government school in Sector 32.
She said the students there expressed the need for a laboratory. “A state-of-the-art laboratory will come up at the school. Interaction with senior officials has boosted students’ confidence, improved discipline and contributed to better academic results,” added DEO Madan.
