Vidyadeepam programme extension still on paper

KOCHI: The district panchayat’s plan to extend the Vidyadeepam programme from Class X to higher secondary classes still remains on paper. The panchayat budget 2010-11 promised to extend the programme meant for improving the standard of academically backward students with the aim of achieving better results. Even this year the district panchayat allocated Rs 55 lakh for the programme only for Class X students.“The programme ought to be extended to plus-two students as well but we have limited it to standard X,” said M D Murali deputy director, Education (DDE). Besides the evening classes, this year additional classes will be held in the morning and even breakfast will be offered. Classes will be held from 9 am to 10 am and after 4 pm, he said. The programme also aims to provide nutritional food for the students. Teachers have been asked to evaluate the performance of students in the recently-held examinations in all government and aided schools, he said. Based on the performance students will be shortlisted. Special classes will be given to students who have fared badly and extra attention will be paid subject-wise said the DDE. The respective school teachers will handle the classes. Help will also be sought from retired teachers for additional attention.A meeting will be held in which teachers, PTA member and coucillors will participate to organise the programme, he said. The classes should help students pass the examinations with high grades, he said.“This year we’ve allotted `55 lakh for the project and hope to make it a success, “said district panchayat president Eldose Kunhapally.