The UT Administration has decided to provide free textbooks to all students from Class I to XII of government schools from next academic session. Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has given approval to the proposal. Earlier, the benefit was limited up to Class VIII.
The initiative is aimed at supporting students from economically weaker sections and reducing the dropout rate in higher classes. At present, around 1.5 lakh students are enrolled in 112 government schools across the city. With the Administration focusing on boosting education infrastructure, many parents have opted to shift their children from private to government schools, particularly in Class XI and XII.
“Extending free textbooks till Class XII will ensure that no child is deprived of learning due to financial constraints,” said a senior official.
This administrative step comes alongside other measures to boost education in the city such as solar-powered buildings to cut down on school bills and campaigns against drug abuse among schoolchildren. UT Administrator Kataria, who is a former educator, is closely monitoring the ongoing changes in the government schools here.
In another significant step, the Administration has decided to prepare government school students for the competitive examinations from next session. Under the proposed initiative, students scoring 85 per cent or above in Class XII will be eligible for free coaching and guidance for the civil services examinations.
Recognising that many meritorious students are unable to afford costly coaching after school, the Administration has begun drafting a plan to ensure that talent is not hindered by financial constraints. Kataria has directed officials to design a framework for this initiative, which will include mentorship, study material and possibly partnerships with reputed institutes providing coaching for the UPSC exams.
“This effort is not just about academic support but also opening pathways for the underprivileged youth to dream bigger and achieve leadership roles in society,” stated the official.
Recently, the UT Administrator felicitated 16 students — children of group B, C and D employees of the Raj Bhawan — for their exemplary performance in the Class X and XII board examinations. The Governor also felicitated aspiring NEET/JEE students who were enrolled in professional courses (post Class XII) and postgraduates preparing for competitive exams and gave them cash awards.
