Kids’ enrollment in pre-primary classes improves in dist

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, May 21

The state government’s ambitious scheme to run pre-primary classes in government schools has finally started showing the desired results. As per information, till date, around 20 children per school have taken admission to each school in the new academic session.

The study material, including books, and uniform have been distributed among children.

The scheme was initiated in November last year and under it, 6,000 students were enrolled in 955 government primary schools in the district — seven students in each primary school.

However, this year, the schools have received a good response as the number of students has increased as compared to last academic session.

It has been seven months since the pre-primary classes started in government schools. Though the situation seems to have improved, some schools in villages are still facing several problems, including a shortage of teachers.

Harpreet Kaur, a teacher posted at Government Elementary School, Maqsudan, said, “The project is benefitting students. Parents are really happy with their kids’ performances. The number of students has increased even after promoting many students to Class I. This session, the strength of the class is above 25, including 20 new students.”

A seminar for teachers was organised last week on which they were apprised of teaching skills.

“We have been asked to involve students in activities through which they learn chapters, stories and tables in an exciting way. The objective is to make them learn easily,” she added.

Schools lack infrastructure

Sources said many government schools situated in villages lacked proper infrastructure, including proper furniture.

Teachers told The Tribune that the allocation of adequate funds to the schools was a major problem. If schools were issued proper funds on time, the situation might improve more, they said.

DEO (Primary) Rampal said, “A good number of students have been enrolled themselves in primary classes. The government is making all out efforts to advertise the pre-primary scheme. We are expecting that more children will take admissions in the coming days. Steps will be taken to provide infrastructure and other facilities to students.”

Pankaj, district coordinator, District Padho, Punjab Scheme, said, “As per the information from all schools in the district, approx 20 students per class have taken admission. We are already provided the work material, worksheets and other necessary items to the schools.”

20 children take admission to each school

• As per information, till date, around 20 children have taken admission to each school in the new academic session. 
• The study material, including books, and uniform have been distributed among children.
• The scheme was initiated in November last year and under it, 6,000 students were enrolled in 955 government primary schools in the district — seven students in each primary school.