ITANAGAR: In a landmark decision, Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, has declared that all government schools in the state that were established before Independence will receive special attention and be designated as 'Heritage Schools.' This initiative aims to preserve the historical significance of these educational institutions and enhance their infrastructure by including a museum within their premises. The announcement came following a request from the organizers of the Platinum Jubilee celebration of the Government Secondary School, Balek, which is currently commemorating its 75th anniversary.
The Government Secondary School, Balek, which initially began as a Lower Primary school in 1946, is now celebrating its Platinum Jubilee. Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the festivities and expressed his enthusiasm for the idea of designating pre-Independence government schools as Heritage Schools. He explained, "This is one of the best requests that I have come across. Not only this school but all pre-Independence government schools in the state will be declared as Heritage Schools with a museum showcasing its rich history."
In response to another request from the organizers, Chief Minister Khandu directed the Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) of East Siang to submit a formal proposal for upgrading the school to a higher secondary level. He emphasized the historical significance of this occasion, as Arunachal Pradesh became a full-fledged state only in 1987, making the 75-year journey of the school a remarkable milestone.
Khandu paid tribute to the school for producing numerous luminaries over its 75-year history and congratulated both current and retired staff members. He also addressed the challenges faced by the education sector in the state, noting that while the number of schools had proliferated, the focus on quality education had sometimes been overlooked. Chief Minister Khandu attributed the proliferation of schools without proper infrastructure and staff to the 'politics of appeasement' and emphasized his government's commitment to quality over quantity.
He stated, "We have taken education very seriously. In fact, we have shut down about 400 government schools having zero attendance. The process is still on. We don't need more schools but we need quality education from the existing schools for which the government is extending all support." He also revealed that he had directed the Education Department to map all government-run schools in the state to ensure better oversight.
Additionally, Chief Minister Khandu underscored the importance of School Management Committees (SMCs) in the proper functioning and development of schools. He encouraged SMC members to interact with teachers, students, and parents, then submit reports to the relevant authorities to address any requirements.
As part of the 3-day Platinum Jubilee celebration, Khandu urged the school's alumni to engage in discussions about improving the quality of education in government schools and share their suggestions with the government.
During the event, Chief Minister Khandu unveiled a bust of Ketem Yomso, who donated the land for the establishment of the Balek school. He also inaugurated the retrofitted school gate, participated in a tree plantation drive, and felicitated ten meritorious alumni of the school. Furthermore, he inaugurated five development projects, laid the foundations for 13 more projects in Pasighat, and announced plans for a new market on locally donated land. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including MP Tapir Gao, MLAs, and district administration officials.
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