No learning infrastructure, but govt to build yoga labs in 10 schools

Gurgaon: The Haryana government claims its decision to open yoga labs in government schools across the state is aimed at overall development of students. A TOI investigation, however, has revealed that in the absence of basic amenities, such schemes do more harm than good for students.

According to sports department officials, of the 500 centres/labs sanctioned state-wide, 10 schools and seven stadiums are in Gurgaon district. They are expected to be up and running from the beginning of next session in April.

The 10 schools are Government Senior Secondary schools (GSSS) in Khentawas, Kadipur, Sector 4/7, Bajghera, Khod, Jamlapur, Alipur, Bhaudakala, Dhamjod and Kasan. “We’re planning to start these centres by April. Applications for volunteers are already being accepted,” said Roshni Devi, district sports officer.

Many such schemes have been launched by this government in the last few months – smart classes, learning enhancement programs, Gita Jayanti celebrations, Republic Day celebrations. “All the money spent on these come from Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan fund meant for students’ all-round development. Besides, most such schemes are handed down by the directorate. As for teaching staff, the problem is rationalisation. There are too many teachers for some subjects, too few for others,” said district elementary education officer Prem Lata.

Most government schools lack resources, both physical and pedagogic. For instance, GSSS Kadipur, with 3,500 students, has a huge campus littered with trash. When TOI visited it, many teachers were found taking classes in the open. A commerce teacher said rooms are not big enough to host the 100 students registered per section. “During regular classes, four students manage on a two-seater bench. But we can’t let them sit so close during exams, hence they’re seating outside.” Like many others across the state, this school is also under-staffed. With no recruitment in the district since 2010, three posts for mathematics teachers have been lying vacant for two years. Two have now been temporarily appointed from a nearby school.