Punjab Government is all set to transform the state’s government schools smart. To impart quality education to the students studying in government schools on par with the private schools, Punjab Education Department has decided to convert government schools into smart schools aimed at streamlining the education system by delivering quality education.
Under this program, 261 smart schools are being set up across the state with special focus on the rural areas, said the state Education Minister OP Soni.
He said that these schools will be developed as model schools in which state-of-the-art facilities be provided to impart quality education. “Smart class rooms, solar energy, and ultra modern sports facilities are being provided in these schools,” he said.
Soni said that Rs 2,769.09 lakh has been released till date for the purpose. Around 21,000 smart class rooms are being set up in different schools of the state where education will be provided with the help of modern ICT tools such as projectors etc.
“E-content is being sent to the schools gradually. PICTES, the executive agency, has floated the tender to convert 21,319 class rooms into digital class rooms covering 5,371 government schools (3,000 government primary schools and 2,371 government high or senior secondary schools),” said Soni.
To provide the Wi-Fi internet connectivity in the government schools, an expression of interest was floated and six companies have submitted their proposals.
He said that this initiative would help in curbing the mushrooming of private school culture in the state. The students, emerging out from these smart classes, would be able to clear any competitive exam in this cut throat competition era, he said.
To sharpen the skills of English, Education Minister said that the Department has decided to initiate the English training of IELTS level for the students of Classs XI and XII of government schools.