Too far away? 36,000 govt schools not inspected in UP last year

MEERUT: In a report by the Uttar Pradesh government, it has come to the fore that over 36,000 state-run schools were not inspected in 2020-21 because they were located too far away from education department offices, on the outskirts of towns and villages.
In this backdrop, the state authorities have instructed immediate inspection of the said schools and have also asked the district education department officials to ensure that the inspection be conducted in such a manner that the schools situated on the outskirts are covered.
“In a report that was prepared by the Uttar Pradesh government, it was found that inspection of at least 36,000 schools was not conducted by the education department authorities despite strict instructions to the effect. The inspection of 1.07 lakh schools was conducted against 1.44 lakh schools,” said Vijay Kiran Anand, director, Midday Meal Authority. In other words, 25% of state-run schools were not inspected.
The inquiry in the matter found that a majority of the schools inspected were situated within city limits and close to the education department’s office.
The top five defaulter districts where maximum schools are yet to be inspected are Agra (49%), Shravasti (45%), Kushinagar (42%), Pratapgarh (42%) and Kanpur Dehat (40%).
“The inspections should be done in a manner that all schools in the state are inspected at least once a year. Instructions have been given to ensure that the instructions are followed or disciplinary action is taken against those who flout the norms,” warned Anand.
As a routine, all schools are inspected to ensure that government schemes for students are being implemented properly and the beneficiaries are getting their dues such as midday meals or funds, free books and uniforms.