Sonam Gyaltsan, National Teacher Awardee: Preferring private schools over the government for children’s education has always been there and it still is prevailing in society. When it comes to educating children parent’s never hesitate to spend large sums of money- which is a positive thing. But there is also a misconception among people regarding the quality of education being better in private schools compared to government schools. Today we have government schools with the topmost quality of education provided with all the facilities needed in a school. 

Since govt schools have been now affiliated with CBSE, major changes are being brought in the schools. Enrollment of students has also increased significantly now. However, it will take a considerable amount of time for people to change their mindset and it sure will take some time for that to happen. Educators are also well qualified since they have been selected after various exams and interviews. It also becomes easier for them to cope with the change in the syllabus as well. 

If we talk about infrastructure- smart classes have been operational in certain higher and higher secondary schools and are setting up in many other schools. Information and communication (ICT) training for teachers is also imparted both online and offline- so that they can have a better understanding of technological advancement in education. A lot has yet to be done in this area. 

About the closure of government schools in various places- the number one reason that comes out is fewer children, which I for one completely disagree with. There’s a large population of children, especially in large villages such as Shey, Thiksey, Nimo, Sakti, etc. As for villages with only a few households, it is possible that due to fewer children, schools might have closed. So the problem lies in the preference and mindset of people choosing private schools over it. Most of these children are getting enrolled in private schools and due to this very reason govt schools get shut down. To change this mindset, the improvement of government school infrastructure and quality education becomes very important. For eg, if we talk about govt school in Sakti, there has been a large enrollment since the overall quality of the school has improved. Parents willfully bring their kids for admission here. Responsibility and commitment of every stakeholder are predominant in the upliftment and development of govt schools in any place. 

With that - change in perspective is also important, when I first began the initiative to bring change to Govt school of Sakti, I went to the doorsteps of people's houses, made them understand the importance of government schools, and urged them to enroll in their children here. To make that commitment and assure them of the best quality education for their children is also necessary. 

Today we see the beautification of hospitals in villages- we can tell from afar that it's just not any building but a medical center. Exposure tours are given to employees of various departments. If the same amount of focus is given to school infrastructure and exposure tours are given to teachers, it will be highly beneficial. 

 Solutions:
 
•    Responsibility and commitment of every stakeholder to bring change is of utmost importance.

•    Since early education is the most important thing in human life- more focus on primary schools by the government is also necessary. 

•    Change in the mindset of people and more focus on the education department by the government will be highly beneficial.

Sonam Dorjai Namgyal, Chief Education Officer:  In Leh district, we have 299 Govt. schools which include Primary, Middle, High, and Higher secondary, and the total number of students enrolled in 1941 in pre-primary school, 2559 in primary school, 1316 in upper primary schools and 2576 students in High and Higher secondary schools. 

If we compare the status of Government schools then and now, we can see so much of changes and positive development. Earlier, there were not-so-good and qualified teachers in schools, teaching methods, staff, results, infrastructure, and student enrollment are many other challenges. Today, the scenario is quite different. There are well-qualified teachers in every school, regular training for teachers is conducted at DIET; adequate funds, etc. have improved the quality of education in govt. schools. Along with growing and changing with today’s world, the focus is not just given to academic or curricular activities of schools but on moral and ethical education for the overall development of every student. 

Looking at the results of government schools, we can see huge differences. Earlier just passing the examination was a great thing, the majority of students used to pass the examination with third and second division. First division and distinction are very rare. Today, students have become competitive, and with good quality education, students of government schools are clearing the examination with very good scores. This is one of the positive achievements. 

Ladakh after becoming Union Territory and with the CBSE affiliation of government schools, many changes are witnessed along with various challenges also. One of the prime challenges faced by the department in the initial days was the infrastructure development of schools as per CBSE norms. Earlier, the department was affiliated with the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) and the infrastructure was not so developed in all schools. Now, we have to look for infrastructural development of all schools such as multipurpose halls, libraries, laboratories, and other things as per CBSE norms. Similarly, the need for subject teachers also became necessary in CBSE and accordingly, we have advertised various posts and some are in process. Availability of Hindi teachers became one of the major challenges as after CBSE affiliations Hindi subjects became compulsory to all. Earlier in JKBOSE there is no Hindi subject, thus making Hindi teachers available in every school is a bit challenging and we are working on it.

With every positive change, the enrollment of students in government is also rising. We have instances of schools in Gompa, Sankar, Taru, and Skumpata villages that were shut down due to no children being reopened again with a good number of students. In these schools, students of well-educated and financially sound families are also studying. Parents have taken out their children from private schools and got them enrolled in government schools, which is a very positive thing. Similarly, we have a few other schools in different other villages which are successfully running. E.g. Ayu Saboo schools which have around 150 students studying, such schools are run with the support of Hill Council also. There are bus facilities and all the needed facilities. 

Parents are now getting confidence in government schools, understanding its importance and most importantly, the competition of enrolling children in private schools has changed. 

I must say that there are lots of government initiative and schemes in the education department which needs to be availed by the people. Maybe all those schemes and affiliation of government schools with CBSE are one of the prime reasons for the growing enrollment in government schools. 

Teacher transfer and the lack of teacher performing duty in far-flung areas have been issues so far. I must say that issues such as teachers staying in Leh as attached whereas he/ she is posted in far-flung villages are all sought. We have addressed all these issues now. 

To strengthen and develop government schools every individual plays an important role. School cannot be run just by the department or teachers or students; the community plays a major role in it. The officials of the department cannot be present and inspect the schools of every village at all times, the people of every village must check and monitor their schools. Give us suggestions and feedback if there is any issue regarding teachers, academics, infrastructure, etc for early redressal. We are stressing upon community owning of schools to improve the overall development of the schools. We all must work unitedly and collaboratively to strengthen government schools. 

Solutions:
•    Community ownership of the school is very important. This helps the overall performance of the school and the issues can be redressed early and easily.

•    With the support and collaboration of every stakeholder, we can strengthen and develop government schools in Ladakh.