Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy on Monday said the quality of education in Government schools in Puducherry will be improved so that students would be able to compete with private schools.
Inspecting the Thanthai Periyar Government High School at Ariyankuppam near here, he said students in government schools will be given an option of pursuing their education in either Tamil or English.
A new education policy would soon be in place. It will enable students of Government schools to hone their skills.
Mr. Narayanasamy said that students in the CBSE stream had an edge over their counterparts in government schools.
While they are able to pass national level entrance examinations effortlessly, students of State board find it difficult to perform.
This would soon be rectified and teachers will be given training to augment their skills.
Expressing concern over the pathetic condition of the school which was his alma mater, the Chief Minister said that it should not suffer from neglect. He suggested some improvement measures such as raising the height of the compound wall of the school to prevent entry of anti-social elements into the premises.
Pointing at the declining enrolment in Government schools, he said this trend was largely due to parents’ preference to admit their children in private schools. This should be reversed soon, he emphasised.
The main objective of the Government is to improve the quality of education in government schools. The administration has been holding meetings for unveiling a new education policy.
While the Government was sanctioning maximum funds for health and education the condition of several schools continues to remain pathetic.
More funds
'He promised that efforts would be taken to allocate more funds in addition to the funds already sanctioned by the Centre to improve the condition of schools.
Later, the Chief Minister along with Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy inspected the Adi-dravidar welfare hostel for boys at Thattanchavady and had lunch with the students. The Chief Minister directed the warden and officials to adhere to quality conditions while preparing food for the students.
Mr. Narayanasamy and Mr. Kandasamy also interacted with the hostellers and sought to know from them the facilities there and requirements if any.
Appalled
Appalled at the condition of the facilities in the hostel, he said that most of the iron cots in the premises were damaged forcing the students to sleep on cupboards.
He directed the officials to replace the cots and improve other amenities including toilets within 15 days; failure to do so would attract strict action, he warned..
