CM Raghubar Das on Monday flagged off a special train carrying government school children from Hatia Railway Station for an excursion to New Delhi and Agra. On the first such occasion in the State, the CM asked the students to utilize the facility for widening knowledge and transforming vision. Also, he instructed the teachers, the guiding forces, to act like parents in directing the students during the five-day-long trip.
“Only through transformed vision, the pillars of the society can play a pivotal role in developing a State. With the change in technology, students must get a first-hand experience and must be familiar with the latest happenings, development taking place in other States and cities,” added the CM.
The CM termed the launch of ‘Mukhyamantri Shaikshanik Bhraman Yojna’ not merely a landmark decision but also one of the major components in developing the personality of students studying in government schools by building their confidence and providing them a exposure essential during their academic days. The opportunity also gives the students to explore the cultural heritage, art, specialties, archeological remains of the other States.
Notably, this year, around 3,500 government school kids will be covered under this ambitious excursion programme planned especially seeking the requirement of government school children who hails from humble background. Approximately, Rs. 1 crore has been spent on the programme.
The Department of School Education and literacy has signed MoU with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) for school expedition programme after the decision of the State cabinet to annually arrange educational tour for the school goers.
The first batch having strength of 900 students from different districts accompanied by 50 teachers on Monday went to Delhi-Agra; the remaining two batches will go on an excursion in a while. Thrilled with the experience of going on a tour with the batch-mates, Sulekha Kumari from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV), Pakur, said, “This is my first trip with my school friends; I am excited to be the part of this programme. I was fortunate that I was selected for this.”
Also, a teacher from Pakur, Sandip Kumar Jha who accompanied the school students while expressing gratitude towards the Department and the CM said that the new initiative taken up by the Department must continue. “This is a very significant step of the State government. Earlier, we use to take students only to the adjoining areas and the concept was confined to only few districts. This has not just elaborated the tour programme but has also revised the plan, which is the need of an hour,” added Jha.
School Education and literacy Department Secretary Aradhana Patnaik, Ranchi DRM VK Gupta, Sr DCM Neeraj Kumar along with other senior officials of the education department and railways were present on the occasion.