Jalandhar Learning by doing is the best way to internalise concepts. Giving this adage a practical shape, the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar administration and the state education department have developed a ‘Mobile Science and Computer Lab’. Intended to arouse curiosity and revive interest in science and computer subjects of government school students, the ₹ 48 lakh project has finally materialised, four years after it was mooted in 2017.

SBS Nagar deputy commissioner Sheena Aggarwal will flag off the new AC bus with 12 computers, printers, LED screen and science models, including of the human body, on Monday. Two generators will power the gizmos.

Rajya Sabha MP KTS Tulsi had given ₹ 21 lakh for the project under the Member Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) fund, with the district administration arranging the rest, after deciding to revive the project in July 2020.

“Three major challenges for the project were arranging the remaining budget, operational cost and execution. In December 2020, the education department approved the operational expense of the van, including salaries to the staff, fuel and other costs,” the DC added.

“We have designed the project as per utility, where students can get practical knowledge and develop their interest in the science. It is not a showpiece, but meant for exploration,” added Sheena Aggarwal.

District deputy education officer (secondary), Amrik Singh said, “We purchased a new bus for ₹ 35 lakh, including installation of the body works. Another ₹ 13 lakh have been spent on computers and science gizmos.”

Singh, who is also the nodal officer of the project, said there are 740 schools in the district across categories. “We will cover high schools in the first phase and primary schools in the second phase of the project,” he added.

District education officer (secondary) Jagjit Singh said two computer and two science teachers have been deputed with the van. Amrik added that the bus will visit two schools a day and train students practically. “Many students, especially in the Kandi area (Balachaur sub-division), lag in computers and science. These will be trained on priority. Advance topis will also be covered through practicals. We will also take the mobile van to villages and towns, as per need.”

A staff correspondent, based in Jalandhar covers Doaba Region of Punjab. Reports about Punjab Police, Enforcement Directorate, politics, corruption, legal, rural areas, socio-economic issues and technical education besides having specialisation in the investigative stories. ...view detail

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