Chandigarh, January 25:- On the eve of 65st Republic Day, Chandigarh Administration organized a Cultural Bonanza in Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, today. The Adviser to the UT Administrator, Chandigarh, Mr. K.K. Sharma was the Chief Guest in the Colourful Programme. Adviser, on the occasion, said that the people of Chandigarh on the eve of the 65th Republic Day of our country I take great pleasure in extending my warm greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens and especially the people of Chandigarh.
Tomorrow, we are completing 64 years of being a republic and I feel proud and blessed to be a citizen of this vibrant and diverse country. In the last 65 years, India has emerged an independent and an economic power to reckon with in the coming years.
Now, it is high time to pass the baton to the youth of our country. This is only possible if we expand our educational compass and equip our present and future generation with avante grade education facilities to take on the world. I sincerely believe that education is a great equalizer and can help those at the bottom to achieve the pinnacles of professional, economic and social success. Education is the bedrock of all social and economic development. It is the only tool that can eliminate the gaps that have made our society unequal.
To achieve the above, Education Department of Chandigarh Administration is making consistent efforts. It is a matter of pride to share with you all that at present we have 1,57,016 students on rolls in 108 Govt schools of Chandigarh. And to cater to the ever expanding city and the increasing population, four new Govt schools were started this year in Manimajra Pocket No- 10, Sector 50, Sector 54 and Hallomajra this year. Also keeping in view the density of population, five more high schools are already under construction, i.e. three in Manimajra, one in Kishangarh and one in Sector-45. Construction of four more schools ie two in 8448 small flats Scheme in Dhanas , one in Sector 48 and Sector 49 each are to start shortly. Let me share that 5 more schools in periphery areas and two more schools in 8448 small flats Scheme in Dhanas have also been planned.
Recognizing the demand for more seats for admission in +1 and +2 classes, two Govt High Schools, i.e. Sector 28 and 56 were upgraded to senior secondary level. I hope these endeavors will ensure that no child is left behind and all become part of our education and literacy ambit.
I would also like to share with you all that in 2012-2013 pass% of Govt schools of Chandigarh for Class 12 was 86.90% against the overall pass% of 82.10 of CBSE and the schools showed a marked improvement of 6.21% than the previous year. And for this, I congratulate the School Administrators and the teachers for their dedication and team work. I hope you will continue the good work to improve our result graph in the coming years also.
Understanding the importance of Games and Sports, Education Department is making proactive efforts in increasing and improving the existing sports infrastructure. Education Department. Chandigarh sent various teams to participate in 59th National School Games 2013-14 in various States of India and bagged 7 Gold, 7 Silver and 17 Bronze Medals.
New lawn tennis courts were constructed in four Govt schools and five more are already under construction and will become operational very soon. Basket ball and Volley ball courts are also presently under construction in 20 Govt. schools and will soon be ready.
We are also making sustainable efforts to implement the Mid Day Meal Scheme, SSA , RMSA and various other schemes of the Central Govt in letter and spirit. Efforts are also afoot to ensure that all students benefit from the free and compulsory education for children between 6 to 14 years, under Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009.
To achieve the dream of total literacy in Chandigarh, we also need the active participation and co-operation of the citizens of Chandigarh. Dear children, you are the future citizens and decision makers of India, who will lead and act as change agents in the coming years. I hope that together, we are able to lay a sound foundation today, for your bright future tomorrow.
I sincerely hope that in near future each one of you and especially my young friends here today will display faith in thought, wisdom in word, courage in deed and service in life and proudly say that ‘ Yes !!!… I have contributed to my city’s success and my country’s success!!!! I am responsible for Chandigarh’s progress and India’s progress.’
The various performances in the function included Song “Ganpati Bappa Morya” by the students of Manav Mangal High School, Sector 21, ‘Group Song’ by students of GMSSS 35, ‘Music Band” by St. John’s High School, Sector 26, “Skit” by GMSSS Sector-16, Bangra by GMSSS Sector-46, a group song by students of Navodya Vidyalaya, Sector 25, Santhali Dance by St. Anee’s Sr. Secondary School Sector-32, Giddha by GHS Dadu Majra and Haryanavi Dance by Moti Ram Sr. Secondary School Sector-27. Mr. Anil Kumar Home Secretary, Mr. Satya Gopal Chairman Housing Board cum Education Secretary, Mr. K.K. Bhadoo Director Public Instructions, Sh R.S. Ghumman, DIG and other senior officials of the Chandigarh Administration were also present
during the function.