In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Chandigarh administration is coming up with a Health Education Centre for government school students in the Union Territory. The Chandigarh Health Education Centre (CHEC) will be set up in the Government Model High School, Sector 22, and is expected to be operational by December this year.
The project is a joint initiative by Chandigarh administration and Rotary Club Chandigarh, which is being funded by the Government of India. The Central Government has provided an initial funding of Rs 50 lakh to the project for FY 2024-25 under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, while Rotary Club Chandigarh is providing equipment and training worth around Rs 1 crore.
No admission fees will be charged from the students for the Centre which is completely free. Students studying in classes 3-10 will have to visit the centre at least once a year.
Subjects in focus
At the Health Education Centre, knowledge will be imparted on topics like General Health, Oral Health, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Abuse, Pregnancy and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Talking about the project, Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar, Director School Education, Chandigarh said, “This centre will create a cycle of learning. Children will be educated about healthy practices and they will in turn educate their parents and relatives. Teachers will also educate other teachers. Our aim is that the learning shouldn’t be just a one day visit to the centre but it should continue in the school curriculum as well, while the practical experience from the centre visits will enhance its understanding.”
Infrastructure
The project started in 2017-18, when Rotary International Chandigarh submitted a proposal for establishment of a Health Education Centre. As per the proposal, health education should be imparted to at least 1.5 lakh students of government schools every year at the centre in its initial phase. There should be at least six class rooms with a capacity of 75 students each and an auditorium with a capacity of 150 students for the Health Education Centre.
The tender has been finalised, and construction is set to commence in a few days for the project which is collaboration between Chandigarh Union Territory Administration and Rotary Club Chandigarh. The Government of India plans to replicate this project across the country.
Cashless fees in Chandigarh Govt schools
Meanwhile, in an attempt to enhance transparency and save time, Chandigarh Education Department has decided to provide the facility of online fee submission in government schools. The facility will be provided to students of classes IX to XII. The department is planning to collect fees online using the govt gateway. The digital fees collection facility is expected to commence from July this year.
