Haldwani girls’ school inspection finds poor rice, powerless IT lab and library lapses

A surprise inspection at PM Shri Government Girls Inter College in Haldwani has exposed shortcomings in the midday meal, information technology facilities, sports ground and library. Chief Development Officer Arvind Kumar Pandey visited the school on Saturday and directed officials to correct the problems.

Pandey ate the midday meal with students during the inspection. The rice being used for the meal was found to be of poor quality. He directed the principal to improve the arrangements and instructed the Chief Education Officer to monitor the school regularly.

IT lab had no electricity connection

The school’s IT lab was found closed, with all computers switched off. Officials found that the lab did not have an electricity connection, despite an outsourced teacher being appointed for the facility.

Pandey criticised the non-use of the computers and described the situation as harmful to the students’ future. He warned the principal and ordered that electricity supply to the lab be restored within 3 days.

The inspection also found problems on the school’s sports ground. Tall grass and large pits were present, creating a potential risk for students using the area. The sports teacher was instructed to arrange repairs and improve the ground.

Library space and furniture questioned

The library was another major concern. The space intended for the library was being used for the administrative building and principal’s office, while the principal’s actual office had been created between classrooms.

The library had been built at a cost of 1.5 crore from the District Mineral Foundation Trust fund. Books were reportedly lying scattered, and furniture for students was not available in the library.

The inspection found that the new furniture supplied for students had instead been placed in the staff room. When librarian Purnima Arya was asked about the arrangement, she said former librarian Sangeeta, who had been transferred to Vanbhulpura Government Inter College, had not handed over charge even after 2 months.

CDO announces hockey support

During his interaction with students, Pandey asked about their interests and heard from a student who wanted to become a hockey player. She said she did not have a hockey stick or other practice equipment because her father was no longer alive and her family faced financial difficulty.

After hearing about her interest in the sport, Pandey directed the District Sports Officer to enrol her. He also announced that he would personally provide her with a complete hockey kit.

Pandey spoke with students during the visit and offered guidance on achieving success. The District Economics and Statistics Officer and the Chief Education Officer were also present.

Directions for corrective action

Pandey said the rice used in the midday meal was not of satisfactory quality and could be improved. According to his statement, the principal was given strict instructions to correct all arrangements by 25 November, while the Chief Education Officer was asked to keep the matter under regular review.

The inspection therefore identified problems affecting food quality, digital learning, sports facilities, library use and the placement of student furniture. The next reported step is administrative monitoring and compliance with the directions issued to the school.

Conclusion

The Haldwani inspection found several gaps in facilities and school management. The CDO ordered improvements to the meal, IT lab, sports ground and library, while also directing support for a student seeking to pursue hockey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which school was inspected?

PM Shri Government Girls Inter College in Haldwani was inspected.

Q. Who conducted the inspection?

Nainital Chief Development Officer Arvind Kumar Pandey conducted the surprise inspection.

Q. What was found wrong with the midday meal?

The rice used in the midday meal was found to be of poor quality.

Q. Why was the IT lab not being used?

The lab did not have an electricity connection, so its computers were not operating.

Q. What problems were found on the sports ground?

The ground had tall grass and large pits, which created a potential safety risk.

Q. What happened to the library furniture?

Furniture supplied for students was found placed in the staff room instead of the library.

Q. What support was offered to the hockey aspirant?

The CDO directed the District Sports Officer to enrol the student and announced that he would provide her with a complete hockey kit.