Punjab School Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla on Wednesday said that soon, the State Government is going to convert 1,377 more schools into smart schools and Rs 357.74 crore will be spent on the digitization of these schools.“Till now, as many as 7,823 schools have been converted into smart schools and the State Government is committed to impart quality education in government schools by regularly improving infrastructure,” said Singla.
He said that out of total 19,130 government schools of Punjab, 41 percent schools have already been converted into smart schools and their government has set the target to convert all schools into smart schools within its five-year term.Singla said that out of total 1,377 schools, 817 are from rural areas and 560 are from the urban areas of the state where the Education Department has planned to spend Rs 209.77 crore and Rs 147.56 crore, respectively.
He added that out of total, 605 are primary schools, 80 are middle, 159 are high schools and remaining 533 are senior secondary schools. The upgradation process of these 1,377 schools would be completed within this financial year.
Singla further said that during the upgradation process, these schools will be equipped with additional classrooms, integrated science labs, libraries, dual desks, separate toilets for boys and girls, potable drinking water facility, higher boundary walls, green boards, projectors, dining halls for mid-day-meal and colour coding. Special repair and maintenance budget will also be given to these schools for required works, he added.The Minister also appealed to the corporate companies, NGOs, community leaders, panchayats, benevolent persons and school staff to contribute for this noble cause of digitization of schools and donate generously for the better future of next generations.
“The State Government is also strengthening digital education infrastructure in government schools through e-books, EDUSAT lectures, e-content and online classes through TV, Khan Academy lectures and Video lectures prepared by the teachers,” he added.
