READING CORNERS IN 50 SCHOOLS UNDER MISSION GYANARJAN

READING CORNERS IN 50 SCHOOLS UNDER MISSION GYANARJAN

29-OCT-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR-----------------------------To improve the quality of education in government schools and foster the holistic development of students, the district administration has directed an acceleration of activities under 'Mission Gyanarjan'. On Wednesday, a review meeting chaired by District Magistrate Sahila was held at her office in the Collectorate. The meeting focused on various issues related to academic activities, nurturing student talent, and fostering a positive environment within schools.

Attendees included the Deputy Development Commissioner, Senior Deputy Collector, District Education Officer, Principal of the Government Engineering College, District Programme Officer (Education), Block Education Officers, CM Fellows, and teachers from various schools.

To cultivate a reading habit among students and promote a culture of reading, 'reading corners' will be established in 50 selected model schools across the district. The District Magistrate instructed the respective headmasters to coordinate and ensure the completion of this task within the timeframe stipulated under 'Mission Kayakalp'. The initiative aims to encourage students to explore informative books beyond their prescribed textbooks.

It was noted during the meeting that students from every block in the district have been selected to participate in an Olympiad competition. To strengthen their preparation, a crash course—lasting approximately 20 to 22 days—will commence on November 1, 2026, in designated schools. The District Magistrate directed that a competition be held for students from all blocks following the conclusion of the crash course, with block-wise rankings to be determined based on their performance.

To provide students with practical knowledge alongside formal academic education, a 'Local Knowledge Day' will be organized in all model schools. As part of this, experienced individuals from the local community—such as farmers, mechanics, artists, ASHA workers, and members of 'Jeevika' self-help groups—will be invited to participate in the monthly 'bagless day' teacher-parent meetings. They will share their experiences with the students, helping to foster social awareness, self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, and the ability to face life's challenges.

The meeting also included a review of activities related to mental health and well-being in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) and model schools. The District Magistrate directed that photos and videos of the programs organized in these schools be shared regularly in the designated WhatsApp group. The District Program Officer and CM Fellows were instructed to conduct regular school inspections and assess the progress of the activities.

Furthermore, students will be sensitized on topics such as gender equality, respect for women, women's safety, protection against cybercrimes, and the safe and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Workshops will also be conducted on issues like cyberbullying and the misuse of social media.

Annual functions will be held in the district's schools during the month of December. The District Magistrate instructed the District Education Officer to ensure all necessary preparations. It was emphasized that these functions should coincide with parent-teacher meetings, providing a platform to showcase the students' academic, cultural, and creative talents.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the District Magistrate directed the concerned officials and teachers to work in coordination to ensure the timely completion of all tasks under 'Mission Gyanarjan' (Mission for Knowledge Acquisition), to monitor activities regularly, and to improve the quality of education. He also stressed the importance of the holistic development of students and the creation of a better academic environment in the schools. emphasized prioritizing the creation of an [appropriate] environment.