TT: How will merger of government schools, under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, help?  

APS: It’s a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of school education 

Many villages are upset, people seem to have rejected the idea. 

Distance is a problem with government schools. (But) When it’s about quality, one should not think about distance

Don’t you think the dropout rate will increase? 

No. Parents in villages are being misled. We will counsel them

Merger of schools flouts the basic idea of bringing education to the doorstep of students under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Your thoughts?   

SSA has been misunderstood. The concept is to utilise the government’s resources and that’s what we are doing

What happens to buildings and infrastructure of merged schools? 

These can serve as anganwadi or self-help group centres under Jharkhand State Livelihood Mission. Deputy commissioners can decide

Quality of teachers has been a concern in the state 

Under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, there are funds to train teachers. Also, earlier school managing committees recruited para teachers. That will change now

What will happen to para-teachers, especially those belonging to merged schools?

They’ll be accommodated elsewhere. The state government will take care of them
 
What kind of skills will high school students be introduced to under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan? 

That depends on the demands of the location. Skill training will help students gain confidence and increase employment 
opportunities

About Atal Tinkering Laboratories, we only have a few in government schools compared to private schools. Why?

There are 46 government schools that have received permission to host Atal labs. At least we have started

Finally, do you think evaluation of papers for Jharkhand Academic Council examinations will be riddled with errors as before? Also, will results be delayed?

I don’t think so because the council has ensured more manpower for all type of work. Evaluation will be smooth. As for results, the council chairman has assured me that results won’t get delayed beyond May. 

As told to Antara Bose