This refers to a recent announcement by Education Minister regarding up-gradation of higher secondary schools to intermediate colleges. But the nature of this 'up-gradation' does not seem to be explicit.  There is a proper interface between school education department and higher education since the latter is concerned with education after 10+2 stage. So it is unrealistic to merge the two. In case it is aimed at augmenting the infrastructure, then I am sorry to say that such commitments have been made in past too and the results are obvious. It is easy to install signboards and hoardings of Intermediate Colleges in front of higher secondary schools but it requires special endeavours to raise the standards of education and ensure quality education. Hope such a move will not be a futile exercise. Post-Matric schooling is an important phase before students land into higher education. So there is a strong need to make the higher secondary schools as centers of excellence. Let the stakeholders invite wide public opinion besides consulting concerned experts on every step it undertakes, unlike the recent proposals of winter schooling and grading system. The former proved short lived while the latter was a surprise for general public and a 'mystery' for the students.  Moreover, the state government should first address the genuine needs of its employees to ensure uninterrupted and smooth functioning of schools.
Abdul Hamid Mir
Lecturer Chemistry
Govt. Hr Sec School
Chuchot Shama, Leh.
aquariusdew@yahoo.com

Lastupdate on : Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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