In a bid to provide quality elementary education in Odisha, the State government on Thursday launched a comprehensive programme ‘UJJWAL’ for achievable learning and performance level of students and teachers respectively in primary schools.
The programme has set an ambitious target of enabling students in primary classes to attain minimum competencies in English both written and oral, besides making students achieve fluency in Odia – the mother tongue.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday inaugurated UJJWAL and welcomed students on their first day in school at Unit-I government primary school here.
Mr. Patnaik called upon students to fulfil dreams of their parents. He distributed free school bag, notebook and pencil among students.
The decision to give emphasis on English was taken at a time when government schools are facing tough challenge from their private counterparts in urban areas. In some towns, private schools are way ahead.
In urban areas, of 813708 students enrolled in primary schools in towns in 2015-16 academic session private schools had attracted 402754 students compared to 410954 in government schools. Interestingly, students enrolled in private schools in towns of 10 districts had outnumbered their counterparts in government institutes.
According to School and Mass Education department, “it goes without saying that today English is not only a means of national and international communication but it is the language of opportunities. It is also the language of modern science and technology. It also helps the child develop his or her self esteem.
Hence, it is necessary that every child from Class-III to VIII attains minimum competencies in English both written and oral.”
The government has prepared learning indicators for the children.
The learning indicators for language, mathematics and English have been prepared which will ensure minimum learning achievement level of the students. Similarly, good performance of the teacher in effective classroom transaction has been finalised. Both documents have been sent to district level authorities.
The department says, in order to promote good quality education across the State, it is proposed that all education officers of the department with supervising authority will have to adopt at least two schools and supervise the schools as per the guidelines indicated.
