Chandigarh: Neighbourhood Schooling Plan

The immediate target of the Chandigarh Administration now is to extend the "neighbourhood schooling scheme" up to Class II, purposely for offering admissions to government schools.

To make the admission process more realistic, the Administration, after introducing this scheme for admission to pre-nursery classes in the government schools, is devising this policy for higher classes from the next session.

Education officials disclosed that the idea has been mooted out following the pattern adopted by the London schools system.

The administration is studying the density of schoolchildren studying up to class II in commensurate with the number of schools prevailing in the area. Since the children falling in this category will be from the age group of six, the funding part will be taken care of by the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyaan wing of the Education Department.

According to the new format, while at the time of admission, the only decisive factor will be to produce 'domicile certificate' to seek admission to government school located in the vicinity.

The DPI(S) SK Setia said, "There are other numerous benefits of this scheme. One is that since the schools will be at the walking distance, this practice will inculcate a "walking habit" among students. Secondly, there will be less traffic on roads during the school hours."

But one school of thought is that the safety aspect of the children will be ignored with the implementation of this scheme. "Parents will not let their children of such tender age go on their own. Hence, the problem of school traffic congestion will remain as it is where it is".

Administration officials feel that this scheme can be safely implemented in Chandigarh because barring a few private schools, almost all government schools are located on the inner roads of the city, it will be safe for the schoolchildren to go to school on foot.

Another reason, the administration is restricting admission process solely on the basis of proof of residence. It will avoid the overcrowding at schools located in particular areas.

The administration has already decided to depute 10+2 passout scouts, guides, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers for the traffic martial duty to regulate traffic near school gates.

The martials will be deputed at the main gate of the school from 7.30 am to 8.30 am and from 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm.

School heads have also been authorised to pay Rs 50 per day to the volunteers from the Work Experience Fund.

--
Your Gateway to Chandigarh, Mohali & Panchkula? Check now at www.ChandigarhPulse.com

Subscribe to ChandigarhPulse Newsletter at http://groups.google.com/group/ChandigarhPulse