CHAPTER XV
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
(a)
Historical Background
In the ancient
days, the state of education in
In the villages,
there were no school house, the students were assembled under trees and were
engaged in learning. This was the usual evil in the agricultural communities
where children were generally set to work at the earliest possible age. The
education system in the areas of present area of Nawashahr District as in case
of the Doaba area of the
334
The traditional system of education continued till the
annexation of the Jalandhar Doab by the British in 1846. The British introduced
secular schools which imparted education in Urdu, elementary arithmetic,
history and geography. Under the British regime, Urdu unknown in indigenous
schools prior to the annexation, was introduced and made the official language
for use at the lower rung of administration. With the colonization of
The year 1851
marks the beginning of the modern system of education in the area now falling
in Nawanshahr District, when a primary school was opened at Rahon which was
raised to middle standard in 1957* . It had then 3 hostels. It was raised to a
high school in 1914. Though there were
primary schools in the area falling in the present district of Nawashahr, but
for high schooling Rahon was the only place. After schooling, the people went
to
On
*An entry in the log book of
school at Rahon by an Inspector in 1857 clearly
establishes the fact that this school came into being before the
mutiny of 1857
Before 1976, education was exclusively the responsibility of States, the Central Government was only concerned with certain areas like coordination and determination of standards in technical and higher education, etc. In 1976, through a constitutional amendment, education became a joint responsibility of the States and Centre. Decisions regarding the organisation and structure of education were largely the concern of the States. However, the Union Government had a clear responsibility regarding the quality and character of education. In 1979, the Government formulated a policy which aimed at cherishing ideals of freedom, equality and social justice. Elementary education was to be made free and compulsory. Regional language was to be made the medium of instruction. This Educational Policy laid stress on adult education. The magnitude of the problem of illiteracy was realized alongwith literacy numeracy, functional development, social awareness were also included in adult education programme which was known as Revised Minimum Needs Programme(RMNP). Rural areas were especially attended to. Diversification of curriculum and lightening of academic load were the main points of emphasis in secondary education. The salient feature of the implementation of this policy was adult education programme.
In other fields the policy could not be implemented due to the earlier fall of the Government. From 1980 to 1984 the first National Policy of Education again reappeared because of the fall of Government and returning of previous party in power. But the emphasis on adult education continued. In 1985 need for a change in educational policy was felt and the Challenges of Education, was published and circulated in the public. The Government of India finally in 1986 came out with two documents, one on National Policy of Education and the other on Programme of Action.
National Policy of Education 1986 is regarded as a new policy of education. For the first time in history of Indian education the government chalked out a programme of action. This policy talked of pacesetting schools, consequently Navodaya Vidyalayas have been established. The need for teacher education at the higher stage was also realized. For the first time 10+2+3 pattern of education was made compulsory in the whole country although even previous commissions and committees had talked of this pattern. The stress has been laid on construction of national curriculum and NCERT has come out with a model of the same. The policy also calls for orienting and refreshing knowledge of elementary school teachers through a system and consequently District Institutes of Education and Training (DIET) have been established. And for the first time only this educational policy has laid stress on computer awareness and computer oriented education. This policy is still in vogue with minor changes from time to time.
(b) Literacy and Educational
Standards
Literacy is an
important tool for communication, learning and information. It is a virtual
precondition for individual and national development. Any person who is able to
read and write with understanding in any language is recorded as literate. The
literacy figures for the district are only available for 2001 Census as the
district was formed in 1995. Amongst the districts of the
The literacy rate in the area falling under the jurisdiction of present district of Nawashahr in particular and in the Doaba region along with the rest of State in general has been going up since 1947 with the opening of primary, middle, high, senior secondary schools and colleges. A number of educational institutions in the district are also run in private sector. Though education falls in the concurrent list, yet various educational societies are also rendering valuable service in the field of education in the district.
The number of recognized educational institutions functioning in the Nawashahr District during 1996 to 2001 is given below:
|
(As on 30 September) |
||||||||
|
Year |
Type of Institutions |
|||||||
|
Senior Secondary Schools (10+pattern) |
High Schools/ Post Basic Schools |
Middle Schools/Senior Basic Schools |
Primary
Schools/ Junior Basic Schools |
|||||
|
|
Girls |
|
Girls |
|
Girls |
|
Girls |
|
|
1996 |
28 |
6 |
67 |
7 |
88 |
3 |
419 |
6 |
|
1997 |
28 |
6 |
67 |
7 |
88 |
3 |
419 |
6 |
|
1998 |
28 |
7 |
67 |
7 |
88 |
3 |
419 |
6 |
|
1999 |
28 |
6 |
67 |
7 |
88 |
3 |
419 |
6 |
|
2000 |
31 |
6 |
64 |
7 |
88 |
3 |
419 |
6 |
|
2001 |
45 |
8 |
63 |
5 |
89 |
3 |
419 |
6 |
|
(Statistical Abstracts of Punjab 1997
to 2002) |
||||||||
Educational Societies Rendering Service in the Field of Education
Though
the main responsibility for providing educational facilities rests on the State
yet various educational societies, missions and philanthropic endowments are
also rendering useful service to the people in the field of education in the
district. A brief account of these is given below :
Hindu Education Sabha.- It is a
religious body and rendering useful service in the field of school education.
It was formed on
Jain Education Trust.- Jain Education
Trust came into being in 1958 and is presently running
Arya Pratinidhi Sabha.- Arya Pratinidhi
Sabha was established is in December 1895 since then it is doing a pioneering
work in the field of education, especially for women education in the present
area of Nawashahr District. The Sabha is running three schools and three
colleges in the Nawashahr District viz.
Amardeep Singh Shergill Memorial Trust.-
Amardeep Singh Shergill Memorial Trust was founded on
Sanatan Dharam Education Board.- Sanatan
Dharam Education Board was established on
Singh Sabhas and Other Sikh Educational
Societies.- A number of Sikh Educational Societies are playing vital role
in the field of education in the Nawashahr District. The oldest among these is
the Khalsa Educational Society which was formed in 1920. Presently it is
running
Women’s Education
The subject of
female education as in the case of other districts of the State, did not
receive much attention in this area (forming present Nawashahr District) also
during the earlier periods and even after the annexation of
The
openings up of educational institutions exclusively meant for girls/women have
also contributed to a large extent in the promotion of women’s education. Many
religions and voluntary organizations are also working to create awareness
among masses for need of women’s education. As on
According to 2001 Census, the literacy rate among females in the Nawashahr District was 69.52 per cent as compared to 63.55 per cent of the State as a whole.
As
on
Education of
Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes
Like women education, the education of
Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and other deprived sections of the society,
was remained neglected till
Abolition of tuition fee and to provide incentives in the form of textbooks; Initiation of programmes like Universalisation of Elementary Education; Operation Blackboard, etc; Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes in higher education institutions; To improve academic skills and linguistic proficiency of students in various subjects and raising the level of comprehensions, remedial coaching scheme is provided to these students and to provide scholarships.
The financial assistance given to the students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes studying in the middle, high and Senior Secondary Schools of the district during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:-
|
Year |
Number of Scheduled Castes
Students |
Number of Backward Classes
Students |
Total amount disbursed
(Rs.) |
|||
|
1996-97 |
12,514 |
3,400 |
81,79,042 |
|
||
|
1997-98 |
10,690 |
4,632 |
74,84,310 |
|
||
|
1998-99 |
2,812 |
763 |
13,70,631 |
|
||
|
1999-2000 |
5,929 |
2,300 |
38,48,919 |
|
||
|
2000-2001 |
14,857 |
5,913 |
99,11,110 |
|
||
|
(Source: District Education Officer, Nawashahr) |
||||||
The financial assistance provided to girl students studying in primary schools of the district during 1996-97 to 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Year |
Number of girl students |
Amount disbursed (Rs) |
||
|
1996-97 |
12,027 |
59,20,647 |
|
|
|
1997-98 |
13,246 |
55,38,367 |
|
|
|
1998-99 |
12,389 |
25,83,156 |
|
|
|
1999-2000 |
13,132 |
41,39,880 |
|
|
|
2000-2001 |
12,891 |
47,19,756 |
|
|
|
(Source: District Education Officer, Nawashahr) |
||||
The number of students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes studying in different schools in Nawashahr District during 2000-2001 is given below:
|
Type
of Institution |
No. of Schools |
Number of S.C. Students |
Number of B.C. Students |
||||
|
|
Girls |
Total |
|
Girls |
Total |
||
|
Primary
Schools |
441 |
10,580 |
10,027 |
20,607 |
2,890 |
2,968 |
5,858 |
|
Middle Schools |
91 |
1,980 |
2,152 |
4,132 |
452 |
544 |
996 |
|
High
Schools |
62 |
3,620 |
3,671 |
7,291 |
1,358 |
1,305 |
2,663 |
|
Senior
Secondary Schools |
27 |
4,553 |
5,109 |
9,662 |
1,580 |
1,669 |
3,249 |
|
(Source: District Education Officer, Nawashahr) |
|||||||
Medium of Instruction
Language is the most important medium of communication and education. Language development occupies an important place in the National Policy on Education and Programme of Action. Promotion of Hindi and 17 other languages listed in Schedule VIII of the constitution including Sanskrit and Urdu, on the one hand, and English as the foreign language, on the other hand have received due attention.
In
1949, the Sachar Formula was introduced in the State of
Educational
Set-up.- The set-up of the education department was changed in May 1963,
when District Education Officer was made the over all in charge of education
activities upto high and higher secondary schools level. Again on
(c) General Education
General education extends from pre-primary or
nursery stage to the university level and presently divided into six stages,
viz. pre-primary, primary, middle, high, senior secondary and upto graduation
and post graduation level (college/ university level). A brief description of
these is as under:
Pre-Primary Schools.- Pre-Primary schools or Preparatory schools are the latest inclusion in the present education set up. It is a stage preparatory to primary education, meant for children of age group of 3-6 years. These schools plays a major role towards enhancing creativity and inculcating values amongst the little children from the very tender age. It promotes physical, intellectual, mental and emotional growth of the children of this age.
Education
is imparted through playway activities of kindergarten and montessori. The aim
of this education is to create a healthy social environment in which the child
may develop his physique and intellect and also to bring forth the inner
potential of a child giving him or her an opportunity at the very tender age to
express ideas through various medias. The main object of such education at this
stage is to provide healthy conditions for the young children and to give them
social experience. Some voluntary organizations and individuals have started
private schools to meet the requirements of small children and some as feeder
schools to the main public schools. As on
Primary and Basic Schools.- An important
element of post independence educational policy has been to provide free and
compulsory education to all children atleast upto the elementary stage.
Regarding free and compulsory education, the Constitution makes the provisions
under article 45 in the following manner, “The State shall endeavour to provide
within a period of ten years from the commencement of this constitution, for
free and compulsory education for all children until they complete the age of
fourteen years.” The course of free and compulsory education was started in the
State during the Third Five Year Plan (1961-66) for the age group of 6-7 years
in 1961-62, extended to the age group of 7-8 years in 1962-63 and 8-9 years in
1963-64, to that of 9-10 years in 1964-65 and to that of 10-11 years in
1965-66. The Directive Principles of State Policy as enunciated in our
Constitution envisage that the State shall endeavour to provide free and
compulsory education for upto 14 years of age within a period of 10 years. The Constitutional Directive has been spelt
out unequivocally and emphatically in the National Policy on Education (NPE),
1986 and its Programme of Action, 1992.
To
give a boost to the universalisation of primary education by increasing
enrolment, retention and attendance and to improve the nutritional status of
children in the primary classes (I-V), the National Programme of Nutritional
Support to Primary Education, popularly known as the Mid-day Meals Scheme, was
launched on
From 1997-98 onwards, the programme has covered all the children studying in primary classes in the government, local body and government-aided schools. This is one of the largest school nutrition programmes in the world today.
The
total number of primary/junior basic schools both government and private in the
Nawashahr District as on
For providing elementary education to children, a centrally sponsored scheme, namely, Sarv Shiksha Abhiyaan was launched in 2001, in all the districts of Punjab.
Secondary Schools.- Secondary education serves as a bridge between primary and higher education and a step towards preparation for higher and professional education. Socio economic imperatives and initiatives taken for, to provide learning facilities to school-going children up to the elementary stage, has encouraged the enrolment in middle, high and senior secondary schools. In present time, the prespective for secondary education is vocationalisation and computer literacy. In the National Policy on Education, vocationalisation of secondary education is a centrally sponsored scheme, which was introduced in February 1988. The main objectives of the scheme are to enhance individual employability, reduce the mis-match between demand and supply of skilled manpower and provide an alternative for those pursuing higher education without particular interest or purpose. The number of senior secondary school in Nawashahr District was 34 during 1996, on the formation of the district, which increased to 53 in 2001.
In the Nawashahr District as on 30 September 2001, there were 92 middle schools (89 boys and 3 girls), 68 high schools (63 boys and 5 girls) and 53 senior secondary schools (45 boys and 8 girls). The total number of students studying in middle, high and senior secondary schools were 6,635 (3209 boys and 3426 girls), 19,392 (9,941 boys and 9,451 girls) and 26,965 (13,480 boys and 13,485 girls) respectively. The total number of teachers in the middle, high and senior secondary schools in the district were 313 (189 females and 124 males), 762 (522 females and 240 males) and 1,093 (650 males and 443 females) respectively.
Besides, the above schools, there are certain schools in large villages and towns of the district which are known as public schools or English schools. These schools are affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi and follow its syllabus. The medium of instruction in these schools is English from the Ist standard. The Education Department of State does not exercise any academic or administrative control over these schools.
Introduction of Plus 2 System of Education in Schools.- In order to implement the National Policy of Education, 10+2+3 (10 year high school + 2 year senior secondary course + 3 year degree studies) was introduced in the State in 1986. Senior Secondary Course (Plus Two System) has been introduced in the Punjab State in 1986 by merging the 11th standard of higher secondary schools and the pre-university course of colleges making its duration for two years. Hitherto the 11 years study of higher secondary schools was reduced to 10 years upto high school level and the pre-university courses in the colleges were abolished. The two year senior secondary education forms a sandwich course between secondary education (school education) and degree courses (college education). The first year is called XI standard or +1 and second year is called XII standard or +2. To implement this policy, all the higher secondary schools in the district were converted into senior secondary schools and to extend this facility to rural areas, the selected high schools have been upgraded by the Government. Now all the colleges and senior secondary schools have introduced 10+2 classes in the district. These are affiliated with the Punjab School Education Board, S A S Nagar (Mohali). The number of schools brought under this scheme in the district upto 30 September 2001 were 53.
Higher Education.- Prior to 1952, there was no arrangement for college education in the area now forming the present Nawashahr District. The history of the college education in the present area of Nawashahr District begin with the establishment of Radha Krishna Arya College at Nawashahr in 1952. The Sikh National College, Banga was established in 1953. By 1993 the number of colleges rose to 6 in the district which are affiliated to Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar, except M.B.G. Government College, Pojewal, which is affiliated to Punjab University, Chandigarh. The colleges functioning in the district, as on 31 March 2001 are briefly described as under :
Radha Krishan Arya College, Nawashahr.- The college was established in May 1952. Foundation stone of the college was laid by the then Prime Minister of India. The college offers instructions in Arts, Science, and Commerce upto degree level. Apart from these, the college has started B.Sc (I.T.), PGDCA and DCA from the 2001-2002 session. The college has a well-stocked library with 28,000 books on its shelves. Training in N.C.C. is also given. In the field of sports the college the excels and remained University champion in Hand-ball, continuously for eleven years. The college publishes its magazine ‘The Neeraj’ annually.
The number of students on the rolls of the college during 2000-2001 was 1,001 (770 boys and 231 girls.)
Sikh National College, Charan Kanwal, Banga.- The college came into existence in 1953. It is being run under the management of Sikh Educational Society and is situated on Phagwara-Nawashahar road. The college provides instructions in 10+2 in Arts, Commerce and Science (medical and non-medical) and also upto degree level in Arts, Commerce and Science (medical and non-medical). From the 2001-2002 session the college has started PGDCA, PGD in Electronics and Communication & Internet and DCA. The college has a well-stocked library. N.C.C. and N.S.S. units are also functioning in the college. It brings out annually its magazine ‘Charan Kanwal’.
The number of students on the rolls of the college as on 31 March 2001 was 1,219 (844 boys land 365 girls).
Bhagwanti Laroiya Memorial Girls College, Nawashahr.- The college was established in May 1959 with a view to spread the education amongst girls of this area. It provides instructions in Humanities up to degree level. Apart from this, computer education is also provided in the college. Training in N.C.C. and N.S.S. is also given to the girls. The college provides facilities for sports and games. A youth club is also functioning in the college. The college brings out its magazine ‘Swasti’ annually.
The number of students on the rolls of the college as on 31 March 2001 was 631.
Guru Nanak College for Women, Charan Kanwal, Banga.-The college was established in 1969 to commemorate the quincentenary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The motive of this college is to provide higher education to girls, especially to those belonging to rural areas. The college provides instructions in Humanities upto degree level with Home Science as a subject and M.A. in History. In addition to this the provides instruction in PGDCA and PGDIT.
N.C.C. and N.S.S. units are also functioning in the college The college organises academic tours and send the students on youth leadership, hiking and trekking camps. It has also earned a good name in the field of sports and cultural activities. A unique feature of this college, is setting up of a ‘Punjab Ghar’ in the college, in which the old goods are kept, which were the part of our cultural heritage such as Phulkari, Chakki, Chartuha, Sandookh, Chhikku, Bohiae, etc. Besides, Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle is also functioning in the college which inculcates moral values in the students. The college also has a library with two reading halls. The library has 16,751 books on all subjects. As on 31 March the college publishes its magazine ‘Supnehar’ annually.
The number of students on the rolls of the college during 2000-2001 was 801.
Maharaj Bhuriwala Garibdasi Government College, Pojewal.- The college was established as a private college and its foundation stone was laid on 15 September 1984 by the then Speaker of Lok Sabha. The college is situated at a distance of 12 km from Garhshankar on Nurpur Bedi road. It was taken over by Punjab Government in 1986 and renamed as M.B.G. Government, College, Pojewal. It was formerly inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Punjab on 2 August 1986.The college imparts instructions upto 10+2 level in Arts, Commerce and Science (medical and non-medical) and upto degree level only in Humanities. The college brings out its magazine ‘Vasu’ for the first time in 2000-2001 session.
The number of students on the rolls of the college during 2000-2001 was 350 (297 boys and 53 girls).
Amardeep Singh Shergill Memorial College, Mukandpur.-The college was established in December 1993 by Sh. Gurcharan Singh Shergill in memory of his son, Amardeep Singh Shergill to provide quality education and purposeful and relevant training to the rural youth. The college offers instructions upto 10+2 level in Arts, Science and Commerce upto degree level in Humanities, Science (Non Medical) and Commerce. It also provides post graduate instructions in M.Com and M.A. in Economics. Apart from these, instructions for P.G.D.B.S.C.A are also provided. The college has well furnished and packed library, a modern computer centre, five workshops equipped with latest machines, a novel gymnasium and well equipped laboratories. Apart from academic courses, the college provides job-oriented vocational courses. N.C.C. and N.S.S. units are also functioning in the college. The college also brings out annually a magazine viz. ‘Amardeep’.
The number of students on the rolls of the college during 2000-2001 was 1,130 (597 boys and 531 girls).
(d)
Professional and Technical Education
The branches of professional education in
which the district provides facilities are teachers training and technical
institutions like engineering colleges, polytechnic and industrial training
institution.
Teacher’s Training
The changing trends in education make it necessary for teachers to refresh their knowledge and keep abreast of the latest teaching concepts and practices. In fact, institutions for teacher’s training are a prerequisite for the expansion and spread of education. For this purpose, two college of education is functioning in the district at Nawashahr. A brief description of this college are given below:
Dayanand Amarnath College of Education For Women, Nawashahr.- Dayanand Amarnath College of Education for Women was established as a part of R.K. Arya College, Nawashahr, and was separated as an independent institution in 1959. The college offers B.Ed. course only. The college achieved excellent achievement in academics and offers latest infrastructure, well equipped automated laboratories and well stcoked library. The college publishes its magazine ‘Gayatri’ annually.
The
number of students on the rolls of the college as on 31 March 2001 was 100.
District Institute of Education and Training, Naura, Nawashahr.- This institute was established on 23 July 1999, at Naura in Nawashahr by Punjab Government to provide Elementary Teachers Training of two years duration. The students are imparted training in Pre-Service Teacher’s Education (PSTE), Planning and Management (PM), Educational Technology (ET), Curriculum Material Development and Evaluation (CMDE), Work Experience (WE) and District Resource Unit (DRU). Through these courses teachers are trained to teach with latest techniques and new methods of teaching.
The
number of students on the rolls of the institution as on 31 March 2001 was 203.
Technical Education
Technical education plays an important role in supplying skilled manpower to the industry and has great potential for adding value to products and services for contributing to the national economy and for improving the quality of life of the people. Technical education is being improved by modernisation and removal of obsolescence, promoting institution-industry interaction. It is also providing continuing education for upgrading the skill and knowledge at technical personnel working in industry and service sectors, transfer of technology to the rural sector.
In order to impart technical education, the Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar and Directorate of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Punjab, Chandigarh runs a number of Degree Colleges, Polytechnics and Industrial Training Institutes/Centres. In the Nawashahr District, there is one* engineering college, one polytechnic and 2 Industrial Training Institutions. These institutions provide training to men and women in order to ensure a steady flow of technical personnel and skilled workers in different trades.
During 2000-2001, there were 2 Industrial Training Institutions functioning at Nawashahr and Sundh in the Nawashahr District. These institutions prepare students for certificate courses in various trades such as fitter, turner, motor mechanic, electrician, wireman, welder, stenography (Punjabi), carpenter, embroidery, refrigeration and A.C. repair, cutting and tailoring, etc.
Detailed particulars of these Industrial Training Institutes/Centres in Nawashahr District have already been given in Chapter V.
A brief description of the engineering college and one polytechnic functioning during 2000-2001 in Nawashahr District is given below:
I I T T College of Engineering, Pojewal.- The International Institute Telecom Technology (IITT) College of Engineering was established in May 1998 and is affiliated to Punjab Technical University Jalandhar. The campus is situated on Nawashahr-Anandpur Sahib, road (known as Guru Teg Bahadur State Highway), at village Pojewal and about 24 kms. from Nawashahr.
The college offers four-year B-Tech Degree level courses in Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electronics Instrumentation and Engineering and Chemical Engineering with intake capacity of 60 students in each course except in Chemical Engineering which has 40 students each year. The intake capacity of Chemical Engineering has been increase to 60 seats each year from 2002-2003 season. A new course in Information Technology has also been started from this season with annually intake capacity of 30 students.
* One more engineering college viz. Rayat Institute of Engineering and Information Technology, Rail Majra has been established in 2001 in the district. It offers four year degree course in Electronics and Communication, Computer Science and Information Technology with intake capacity of 60 students in each course.
The number of students on the rolls of the college during 2000-2001 was 159 (119 boys and 40 girls).
Doaba Polytechnic, Raipur.- This institution was established in October 1998. It prepares students for 3 year diploma courses in Computer, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. During 2000-2001 the number of students in the polytechnic was 428 (396 boys and 32 girls). The polytechnic publishes its magazine namely Mehak annually.
Medical Education
There is no medical institution in the Nawashahr District.
(e) Physical Education
Physical education is given in almost all the educational institutions of the district and a part of general education. To attain physical fitness right from the early years of schooling, games and physical education have been made compulsory subjects in the middle, high and senior secondary schools since 1974. It aims at all-round physical development of the students. It is imparted through physical activity which keeps the body fit. This scheme is functioning well in schools under the supervision of the headmasters with the help of the Physical Training Instructors. In the colleges physical education is directed and guided by the Director of Physical Education. The development of sports in the state is the responsibility of the Department of Sports, the Punjab State Sports Council and Sports Wing of the Education Department.
Besides the above, the following schemes under separate departments also promote the cause of physical education in the district:-
1 Promotion of Sports and Games.
2 National Fitness Corps.
3 National Cadet Corps.
4 Bharat Scouts and Guides.
(1) Promotion of Sports and Games.- Games and Sports are considered a necessary part of students education and training for life. Keeping in view the importance of sports, the Punjab Government created the Sports Department in 1961 and appointed players of national and international fame as Sports Officers. At the district level in Nawashahr this department is under the charge of District Sports Officer, Rupnagar, who is assisted by three coaches viz Athletics Coach at sub centre Banga and Handball and Football Coaches at Nawashahr.
The main functions of the department are to provide facilities in sports to the sports persons of colleges, schools, private institutions, etc. according to their requisitions. In general the training is given in the evening, once a day in the coaching centre, twice a day in schools and colleges. The department is making strenuous efforts to promote sports talent in all parts of the state. The department organizes tournaments and training camps. The department awards scholarships to the distinguished players, pension to old age players, besides giving grants for the development of playgrounds. In the Nawashahr District, there is only one swimming pool at Kirpal Sagar Academy at Rahon.
The following District Sports Associations were functioning in the district during 2000-2001:-
District Sports Associations
1 District Football Association
2 District Badminton Association
3 District Volleyball Association
4 District Handball Association
5 District Wrestling Association
6 District Kho-Kho Association
7 District Cricket Association
8 District Basketball Association
(2) National Fitness Corps.- The scheme was put into operation in the beginning of 1963 as recommended by Kunzru Committee by merging the National Discipline Scheme, Auxiliary Cadet Corps and Physical Education. Under this scheme circle in charge of sports is appointed, who functions under the supervision of District Education Officer (Primary). At the block level, one block in charge, sports is appointed, who functions under the supervision of District Education Officer (P) and circle in charge, Nation Fitness Corps at the district level. The main aim of the scheme is to develop all round personality for the students. It aims at imparting discipline among boys and girls. It also provides health education and cultural activities. It inculcates in the students an interest in games. It aims at imparting to the students both boys and girls training in drill, physical exercise, lezium, tippri, track and field events, gymnastics, national integration songs, National Anthem, yoga and cultural activities. These activities inculcate discipline, obedience, firmness, steadiness, national integration and self-confidence among the students.
This scheme is not functioning in the Nawashahr District.
(3) National Cadet Corps.- In order to develop the qualities of leadership and discipline among the youth, National Cadet Corps was introduced in the educational programme in 1948. After the Chinese Aggression, it was made compulsory for all the able bodied undergraduate boy students at college level in July 1963. N.C.C. training is imparted regularly during academic sessions and through outdoor camps. Later on, a programme namely N.S.S. (National Service Scheme) has been introduced as alternative to N.C.C. which is no longer compulsory. The aims of the National Cadet Corps are to develop character, comradeship, ideal of service and capacity for leadership in youth, men and women to give service training to young men and women so as to stimulate interest in the defence of the country and to build up a reserve of manpower to enable the Amend Forces to expand rapidly in national emergency. National Cadet Corps in the Nawashahr District is functioning under the jurisdiction of 8 Punjab Battalion N.C.C. Phagwara.
The motto of National Cadet Corps is ‘ Unity and Discipline’. The cadets are imparted training in the military subjects, viz rifle-firing, field craft, foot-drill, civil defence, map reading, etc. Girls are given training in first aid, operating telephones, telegraphs and wireless. Senior and Junior Divisions cadets organized into units each commanded by a regular Army Major or an equivalent rank in the Air Force. The cadets also attend outdoor training camps.
The number of students on the rolls in the National Cadet Corps in the Nawashahr District as on 31 March 2001 is given below:
|
Division |
Name
of School/ College |
Number
of Cadets Enrolled |
|
|
Senior
Division |
R.K.
Arya College, Nawashahr |
55 |
|
|
|
Sikh
National College ,Banga |
55 |
|
|
|
Amardeep
Singh Shergill College, Mukandpur |
55 |
|
|
Junior
Division |
Government
Senior Secondary School, Nawashahr |
100 |
|
|
|
Doaba
Arya Senior Secondary School, Nawashahr |
100 |
|
|
|
J.S.F.H.
Higher Secondary School, Nawashahr |
100 |
|
|
|
Government
Senior Secondary School, Rahon |
100 |
|
|
|
Kirpal
Sagar Academy, Rahon |
100 |
|
|
|
Government
Senior Secondary School, Banga |
100 |
|
|
(Source: Commanding Officer and Punjab Battalion N.C.C. Phagwara) |
|||
(4) Bharat Scouts and Guides.- The Bharat Scouts and Guides Punjab has its State Headquarter at Chandigarh and a Training Centre at Tara Devi (Shimla Hills). In the Nawashahr District, the scheme is being run by the District Education Officer Nawashahr. It organizes scouts and guides rallies, social-service camps at the time of melas, and gives training to young men and young women in cooking and handicrafts, tent-pitching, etc. The training imparted inculcates in the trainees the qualities of self-help, discipline and sprit for good service to all at all times. The boys and girls trained in this movement turn out to be good and useful citizens with broader out look. They are also taught first aid. They render service at festivals, exhibitions, etc., in maintaining law and order and also render aid to helpless, to the sick and wounded. The total strength of Cubs and Bulbul in the district, as on 31 December 2001, was 1200 and 300 respectively.
The motto of Bharat Scouts and Guides is ‘Be Prepared’.
(f) Cultivation of Fine Arts
There is no such institution in the district.
(g) Oriental Schools and Colleges
No oriental school and college is functioning in the district.
(h) Education for the Handicapped
There is no institution which is rendering education to the handicapped in the Nawashahr District.
(i) Adult Literacy, Social Education and
Measure for the Diffusion of Education and Culture among the Masses
The campaign was started in the Nawashahr District in 1997. In order to mobilize the masses, seminars, workshops, exhibitions and literacy camps are organized at various places in the district. To create interest in the voluntary organizations catchy slogans like ‘Each One Teach One’ are cited. Mass meetings are organized. Help of print media and audio visual media is also taken to create interest in the public towards education. Literacy melas/fetes, inter school festivals and competitions are organized in the district.
The main aim of the programme was to impart functional literacy to the target group of 15-35 years. Functional literacy aimed at four objectives viz., achieving self-reliance in literacy and numeracy; awareness building regarding present backward conditions; skill formation to improve socio-economic status and intellectual orientation towards the state welfare ideas, national integration and female emancipation. It helped to increase enrolment in 6-11 years age group and reduction of drop out rate; non-formal education for 15-35 age group and empowerment of 15-35 years target groups which are productive units of the economy.
As on 31 March 2001 number of persons admitted in the Nawashahr District for Total Literacy Campaign (TLC) and Post Literacy Campaign (PLC) were 57,919 and 43,230 respectively. During the same period learners who passed Primer III during Total Literacy Campaign (TLC) were 46,993 and learners who passed Primer I during Post Literacy Campaign were 39,344.
(j) Cultural and literary Societies and Periodicals
Nawashahr is a
district of progressive and literary people. In the district, many cultural,
literary, social and educational societies are functioning, which have enabled
its people to get recognize far and wide. Many cultural organizations are
engaged in various cultural activities according to their own objectives. These
cultural organizations have considerable contribution in promoting Punjabi
culture, social interaction and national unity. The Nawashahr district has many
painters, film artists, folk singers, lyrists, and sculptures, Dhadi, Ragi, Dholachi, Serhra Lekhak and Nakliye.
The list of cultural societies functioning in the Nawashahr District is given below:
1 Dr. Sadhu Singh Hamdard Memorial Cultural Mela Sabha, Nawashahr
2 Punjabi Sabhiacharak Gaunda Punjab, Jandiali
3 Naujawan Sabha, Mehli
4 Sur Sanjh Sabhiacharak Manch, Mukandpur
5 Doaba Jagriti Manch, Ghumana
Many literary personalities belongs to Nawashahr District, who have enriched the treasure of Punjabi literature. During the period of Independence struggle, the Babbar Akalis, Gadri Babas and freedom fighters had written many literary articles for awakening the people.
Special contribution by Sadhu Singh Hamdard occupies a unique position. In this district many monthly and other newspaper/ periodicals were started. Some of these are still in circulation.
The list of literary societies contributing to this cause is mentioned below:
1 Likhari Sabha, Jagatpur
2 Doaba Sahit Sabha, Nawashahr
3 Doaba Sahit Sabha, Balachauar
4 Punjabi Sahit Sabha, Balachauar
5 Doaba Kala Manch, Manguwal
6 Kala Sampark, Nawashahr
7 Lok Manch, Banga
8 Bhumika Manch, Banga
9 Jagriti Kala Kendra, Aur
10 Navjot Sahit Sanstha, Aur
11 Adabi Majlis, Sahlon
12 Amaardeep Sahit Sanstha, Rahon
13 Zila Likhari Sabha, Nawashahr
14 Punjab Sahit Sabha, Nawashahr
15 Doaba Likhari Sabha, Dhahan
16 Lok Chetna Manch, Banga
Periodicals.-Information pertaining to the periodicals published in the district has been given in Chapter XVIII ‘Public Life and Voluntary Social Service Organizations’.
(k) Libraries, Museums, etc.
With the spread of education, libraries are becoming popular in the district. The facility of public libraries and reading rooms is available in almost all the towns and big villages in the district. The schools and villages also have their own libraries for the use of students and teaching staff. All these libraries are doing useful service to the people. These libraries subscribe to a number of journals, daily newspapers, weeklies, fortnightlies and monthly magazines. The main libraries in the district are detailed below:
|
Serial
No. |
Name
of Library |
Date
of Opening |
Number of Books |
|
1 |
Dr
Ambedkar Municipal Committee Library, Banga |
|
2,000 |
|
2 |
Municipal
Council, Library Nawashahr |
1948-49 |
4,612 |
|
3 |
Sant
Baba Sewa Singh Library, Naura |
November
1982 |
5,000 |
(Source: District Education
Officer, Nawashahr)
Museums