Gujarat's mission 'Schools of Excellence' brings smart learning to government schools
Rajkot, June 29
Government schools across Gujarat are witnessing a significant transformation under the ₹10,000 crore World Bank-supported Mission Schools of Excellence, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, digital learning and overall quality of education.
The initiative is focused on upgrading government schools with smart classrooms, computer labs, modern science laboratories and other digital learning facilities to ensure accessible and quality education for all students.
Students at Shrimati Sarojini Naidu Girls High School in Rajkot said the upgraded facilities have enhanced both academic learning and overall development.
"Our school has a computer lab, library, electronics and hardware training, sewing classes and cultural activities like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, harmonium and tabla. It feels like a home, not just a school. Teachers guide us with great care," student Dhruvisaba Kiransinh said.
Another student, Dhami, said the school offers good education with qualified teachers and supportive staff. Student Tank Bansi highlighted the availability of multiple facilities, including libraries and various laboratories such as computer, apparel and electronics labs.
"We have regular library periods every week where we read books," Bansi added.
Principal Dr. Sonalben said the school provides free education and also receives support from the Rajkot Municipal Corporation for essential student needs, including uniforms, shoes, socks, sports dresses and school bags.
Officials said the Mission Schools of Excellence initiative is helping improve learning outcomes through smart classrooms, digital tools and modern infrastructure, especially benefiting students from poor and middle-class families.
Aligned with the vision of Viksit Gujarat, the programme aims to develop future-ready government schools by combining modern infrastructure, trained teachers and effective academic monitoring.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a teacher in a government school in rural Gujarat, I can see the difference firsthand. But we also need more trained teachers to use these smart classrooms effectively. Infrastructure alone won't solve everything.
Impressive to see Gujarat investing in education. In many parts of India, government schools still lack basic amenities. This is a great model for other states to follow. Hope the digital tools are maintained properly!
₹10,000 crore is a massive investment. I just hope the money isn't wasted in corruption. We've seen so many government schemes fail due to middlemen. Regular audits and community monitoring are crucial for this to succeed.
Love that they're including cultural activities like Kathak and Bharatanatyam along with tech labs. That's what holistic education looks like! My cousin studied in a similar school and she's now pursuing engineering while still learning tabla on weekends.
I'm from Ahmedabad and have seen these schools improving. But we need similar focus on teacher training and student counselling. Digital tools are useless without teachers who know how to use them in the classroom.
Great to see a state taking education seriously. But I've worked in development projects before - the real test is whether these facilities are still functional after 2
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