Chief Minister Raman Singh on Friday said that the primary responsibility of schools is to instil confidence and inculcate interest in studies among the schoolchildren.
Education itself is the biggest asset. Illiterate person lives in a world of darkness and ignorance. It is the social responsibility of all concerned citizens to send children to schools, he said.
Singh was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of State-level 'Shaala Pravesh Utsav' at village Saragaon (Development Block Dharsiva). In the coming days a person will be respected for his education and not for assets and materialistic possessions, he said.
The Chief Minister said that students of State Government schools also have innate talent like other students and they also can gain immense knowledge. The school authorities should develop keen interest in the students towards education and knowledge.
A colourful cultural programme was held at the Saragaon Government Higher Secondary School premises to launch the Shaala Pravesh Utsav.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also planted saplings in school premise at Government Higher Secondary School Saragaon.
He said that plants give oxygen and help in controlling pollution. Plants and are necessary for life.
Singh said that green trees should be planted in school premise so as to develop healthy atmosphere.
The Chief Minister distributed school bags and other study material to the students. He sanctioned Rs 28 lakh to build additional classrooms at the school, Rs 50 lakh to construct a stadium and Rs 41.42 lakh to lay a new pipeline for drinking water at Saragaon.
He encouraged the young ones by asking them to recite poems on mic.
The Chief Minister praised Devendra Chauhan of standard 1 for reciting the poem with message of saving every drop of water. Chandni Yadav, who recently got admission in standard 1, recited 'machhli jal ki rani hai' poem. Chief Minister appreciated her as well.
Singh gave best wishes to the children and said in his address to the function that it is inspiring for all of us to listen to a small child giving message of saving every drop of water.
He said : What speech can we giveIJ This child has given us the message of saving water. This message is more powerful and effective than any speech given by elders.
The Chief Minister said that today is the first day of school for these children, and the confidence with which they have recited poem and sang song on stage shows their joy and enthusiasm.
On the occasion, School Education Minister Kedar Kashyap, Chairman of Textbook Corporation and Dharsiva MlA Devji Bhai Patel, State Commission of Child Right Protection Shatabdi Pandey, Jila Panchayat President Raipur Sharda Verma and other public representatives and a large number of villagers and school students were also present.
The Chief Minister added that teachers and citizens of the area are welcoming school kids by applying 'Tilak' and distributing sweets. Festive atmosphere prevailed at Saragaon during the Utsav.
He appreciated the enthusiasm of the residents of Saragaon towards Shaala Pravesh Utsav. He mentioned the keen interest of former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam towards education. The first day in school is remembered by all throughout their lives.
The State Government had increased the Education Budget to Rs11,000 crore from the earlier Rs7,000 crore. The parents should educate their children for at least couple of hours during the summer holidays. Efforts will be made to take steps to improve the handwriting of school children. He lauded the steps of Textbooks Corporation to provide books free of cost to school children, he said.
School Education Minister Kedar Kashyap said that the target is to provide all the books by 15 April.
He added that Shaala Pravesh Utsav is being observed on the instructions of Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh. The new academic session was started on April 1 as per the C.B.S.E. pattern. Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Quality Education Mission had been launched in the entire state.
It is the cherished dream of the Chief Minister that children should educate themselves and become useful citizens of the nation. A provision had been made in the Budget to open 150 high schools and up-gradation of 80 high schools soon. Examinations are mandatory to test the knowledge of students.
Tests will be conducted in the current academic session, Kashyap said.
He appreciated the Saragaon Higher Secondary School authorities and added all the schools in entire State will be upgraded as Model schools. Teachers at the Development Block level will be felicitated.
The Chief Minister later felicitated two talented children- Devendra Verma and Kumudhini Dheevar at the Shala Pravesh Utsav programme organized in Government Higher Secondary School Saragaon. In the 12th board exam organized by Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education in year 2015-16, student Devendra Verma of this school held first rank and scored 92.8 per cent marks; he scored 100% marks in chemistry subject. likewise, Kumudini Dheevar got first rank in school with 89.3% marks in 10th board exam.
Singh also honoured both the students with memento. On the occasion, School Education Minister Kedar Kashyap, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Textbook Corporation Devji Bhai Patel, Jila Panchayat President Sharda Verma, Janpad President Dharsiva Rukmani Verma, School Education Secretary Subrat Sahu and other public representatives, officials of school management committee, officers were also .