The standard of education in the government schools of Muzaffarpur in Bihar has improved considerably under the stewardship of District Magistrate Pranav Kumar, whose continuous efforts have reflected in the ranking among the aspirational districts. From 17thrank in November last year, the district made a jump and secured overall 3rd rank among the aspirational districts and has been maintaining it since then. In January this year, the district also managed to stay in No 1 position. It is also maintaining its position in top 10 in the Mukhyamantri 7-Nischay Yojna list.
During a conversation with Indian Masterminds, the DM Pranav Kumar talked about his initiatives in the education field in detail.
SMALL STEPS FOR BIG CHANGE
The district administration has implemented some small steps to increase the quality of education in Muzaffarpur. First of all, it is ensuring that students are given homework daily and it also gets checked daily or at least on alternate days. Secondly, parent-teacher meeting is held on a regular basis. Thirdly, teachers must make ‘Path-tika’ daily, which is basically the lesson plan for every class.
“We are also assuring timely attendance of teachers and students. Each headmaster has been told to make peer groups of 4-5 students, and if anyone of them misses school, the others can inform why. If the student doesn’t come back, then the teacher can coordinate with the other students in the group and find out ways to bring him back,” Mr. Kumar said.
He also emphasised that all these efforts are being taken to improve the outcome and performance of each student in exams, as well.
MONITORING & REGULATION
However, knowing it very well that such steps will go in vain if not monitored properly. Mr. Kumar made a robust plan and divided responsibilities among his staff and fellow officers. Each Block Education Officer has been encouraged to adopt at least five schools in his area, make sure all the steps are being implemented, and develop them as model schools. Senior Deputy Collectors, BDOs and other officials also monitor the activities in school.
Mr. Kumar himself pays surprise visits to schools to check if the students have developed adequate understanding according to their class or not. “Improving the attendance is not our sole goal, we want to ensure that class-specific education is provided to each child,” he said in conclusion.
