- District Magistrate Savin Bansal is leading Project Utkarsh to modernise Dehradun’s government schools.
- ONGC and HUDCO are supporting the project by providing furniture and digital equipment.
- Modernisation includes new furniture, sports facilities, and digital classrooms for over 168 secondary schools.
- Funding comes from various sources, including Rs 6 crores mobilised for upgrades.
- Purchase orders for 884 LED TVs for digital classes have been placed, and further improvements continue.
District Magistrate Reaffirms School Modernisation Push
District Magistrate Savin Bansal, on July 24, reiterated resolve to fast-track upgrades in government schools under Project Utkarsh. This initiative, guided by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, aims to enhance both infrastructure and digital access in Dehradun district schools. The project covers blocks like Chakrata, Kalsi, Vikas Nagar, Sahaspur, Raipur, and Doiwala.
ONGC and HUDCO Partner for Infrastructure Expansion
ONGC is supplying furniture, while HUDCO is providing LED screens and bulbs, playing key roles in this effort. Government schools in Chakrata and Kalsi now have new furniture. The same is being supplied to other blocks with ONGC’s continued support. These partnerships are vital for bringing new resources directly into classrooms.
Digital Classrooms Ready with LED Screens and More
In a major step, the district administration has placed purchase orders for 884 large LED screens for 168 government secondary schools, using the GeM portal. Bidding is complete and soon every classroom will have digital learning options. Schools already have whiteboards, lighting, sports grounds, kitchens, power, and libraries. The new LED stations will now bring rich digital content to every student.
Funding Flows in from Multiple Sources
To make these upgrades possible, Bansal has secured Rs 6 crores from Mineral Trust, District Plan, and CSR contributions. Recently, another Rs 3.67 crores from the Mineral Trust was allocated to install more LED screens, with procurement active on the GeM portal. These funds are being used strictly for academic and facility enhancement.
Grassroots Approach with Direct Funds to Headmasters
A flexible fund of Rs 1 crore is now given directly to school headmasters. They can use this to buy whiteboards, LED lights, furniture, and sports equipment based on their local needs. This approach allows schools to address specific gaps and improve learning spaces faster.
Vocational Training and Holistic Student Learning
Project Utkarsh promotes vocational courses and brings in biographies, newspapers, dictionaries, and magazines. This step is aimed at raising awareness about national and global events among students. The administration focuses on a rounded curriculum for overall development beyond textbooks.
Focus on Fundamental Facilities and Daily Needs
Education officers are instructed to ensure working electricity, clean water, and toilets in all schools. Special care goes into hygiene through regular water tank cleaning and repairs. Every school must also provide nutritious midday meals. These measures are designed to offer a safe, healthy learning environment.
Past Success Sets the Pace for Dehradun
District Magistrate Bansal had earlier driven similar upgrades in government schools in Nainital and Almora. This proven approach is now reshaping the education landscape in Dehradun. The project aims to give every government school student access to the same resources as their private peers.
