KHEEL, 31 Jul: Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Vishakha Yadav on Thursday inaugurated the newly renovated smart classroom at the Government Upper Primary School (GUPS) here.
The initiative falls under a holistic rural development programme implemented by Citizen Foundation, a Ranchi-based NGO operating in Sagalee since 2023, with support from HDFC Bank, under its Parivartan initiative.
The smart classroom was formally handed over to the School Management Committee (SMC) by Sagalee-based Holistic Rural Development Programme project manager Johny Kandula.
In her address, the DC thanked Citizen Foundationfor selecting Sagalee and Kheel for the project, and called for collective community responsibility. “There is no shortage of government initiatives, but awareness, accountability and full utilization of resources is crucial,” she said.
She advised the SMCs to convene monthly meetings and submit records to the DDSE and the DC office. A ‘Teacher of the Month’ award with financial incentives was proposed to recognize dedicated educators, and the DC cautioned that teachers failing in attendance and performance would face strict action. “The future of our children lies in the hands of our teachers,” she added.
Sagalee Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Higio Yame advised the students to stay away from drugs, and to report any related incidents. She also requested the DDSE to deploy substitute teachers atearly learning and pre-primary centres where currently only one teacher is managing all responsibilities.
Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) TT Tara emphasized the need to train teachers in using smart classroom tools effectively. He appealed to parents to support and adopt local government schools like GUPS Kheel, rather than opting for distant private schools. He also stressed the importance of regular attendance by teachers.
Kandula said that Citizen Foundation is currently working across 15 panchayats in the Sagalee region, focusing on natural resource management through solar systems, renovation of health and wellness centres and anganwadi centres, and support to self-help groups engaged in agriculture, horticulture, and small-scale entrepreneurship.
On the occasion, SMC Chairman Tok Tubin submitted a memorandum to the DC, requesting the construction of an assembly shed and teachers’quarters. He highlighted that although the school has six teachers, most are unable to stay in Kheel due to lack of accommodation.
As part of her extensive visit, the DC also inspected the Government Secondary Schools in Toru and Nimte, where she interacted with students, visited smart classrooms, and sought feedback. She recommended scheduling smart classes for all grades to ensure equal learning opportunities.
The DC also inspected the infrastructures of Toru Engineering College. Observing the current condition and progress, she directed all concerned departments- including PHED and Electrical – to work on a war footing to ensure that the college becomes fully functional and ready for the next academic session.She emphasized that all efforts must be expedited, so that the institution, whose foundation stone was laid in 2015, can start serving students without further delay.
She further visited the Government Girls Residential School in Sarka Happa, where she interacted with the students and staff, reviewed the facilities, and reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to strengthening residential education for girls.
At the Government Higher Secondary School, Sagalee, the DC reviewed the academic and infrastructural status, and emphasized the importance of holistic development and teacher accountability. She also interacted with both teaching and non-teaching staff, encouraging them to work collaboratively for better outcomes.
The DC was accompanied by the Sagalee ADC, Toru CO Fema Taku, the DDSE, heads of offices, panchayat members, GBs, and others. (DIPRO)
