Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directed that all dilapidated government school buildings in the state be replaced with new structures. He said the new school buildings should not only be aesthetically appealing but should also be constructed as vertical structures, allowing the remaining land to be utilized as playgrounds for students.
Issuing strict directions to the School Education Department, the Chief Minister said that once the summer vacation ends, no classes should be conducted in unsafe or dilapidated school buildings anywhere in the state. Students should be shifted to nearby government buildings or neighbouring government schools until the new buildings are completed. He also directed officers to initiate the tendering process at the earliest.
The Chief Minister gave these directions while chairing the meeting of Chief Minister's Good Governance Associates (CMGGAs) and senior officers at Haryana Niwas on Saturday. The meeting was attended by Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary School Education Department, Sh. Vijay Singh Dahiya, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr Yashpal, State Project Director, Haryana School Shiksha Pariyojna Parishad (HSSPP), Sh. Swapnil Ravindra Patil, OSD to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Sandhu, and CMGGAs.
During the meeting, the CMGGAs presented their findings after assessing schools and water-related projects across different parts of the state. Based on the report, the Chief Minister directed the Education Department to ensure that science laboratories, computer laboratories and other facilities in government schools remain fully functional and accessible to students. He also directed officers to expedite the provision of dual desks in schools.
The Chief Minister further directed that the auction and disposal process for obsolete computers and other outdated equipment in schools be completed within one month. He emphasized that construction of new buildings for schools requiring upgraded infrastructure should be expedited so that students do not face any inconvenience.
Accountability to Be Fixed; Reports Sought
Taking note of the deficiencies highlighted by the CMGGAs, the Chief Minister sought detailed reports on the schools where shortcomings were found. He directed that accountability be fixed at every level, from the District Education Officer (DEO) onwards. He also directed that Group-A officers must conduct surprise inspections of schools.
The Chief Minister said the responsibility for maintaining proper infrastructure and overall arrangements in schools should rest with the principals and headmasters concerned. If any deficiency is detected, immediate action should be taken against those responsible.
Directions on Water Projects
The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of water infrastructure projects in the state and issued directions for their strengthening. During the meeting, reports on works being undertaken under the Mahagram Yojana in rural areas, the assessment of Amrit Sarovars, and the condition of waterworks were presented.
He directed the concerned departments to accord special priority to sewage treatment plants (STPs) in villages where works under the Mahagram Yojana are underway and ensure that construction and sewer connections are completed within the stipulated timeframe. In view of the approaching monsoon, the Chief Minister also directed the officers to undertake timely cleaning of drains and sewerage networks.
Reiterating the government's commitment, he said the objective is to ensure the supply of clean drinking water to every citizen.