Time UT gets practical about science labs

CHANDIGARH: Whether its proper drainage system, fire extinguishers, chemicals or simply enough ventilation, schools under UT administration fall short on every account.
Making practical that much difficult for students, government schools in city lack proper infrastructure for science laboratories, a requirement that finds special mention under the CBSE guidelines.
Dilapidated roofs, faded labels on chemical bottles and rusted equipments tell their own story. With several of these schools having no provisions like sand buckets for student safety, kids studying at these schools face a major danger.
Tall claims of senior secondary schools being at par with private schools fall to the ground as soon as one witnesses students having a tough time while conducting practical assignments.
Open drainage system is a common sight at these chemistry labs, while exposed outlets also serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes during monsoon season. One of the teachers from GMSSS-19 said proposals had been sent to UT education department for renovating science laboratories. ���We expect the department to respond very soon,��� he said. However, school principal Sanjay Walia said, ���We are still at par with other government schools of the city.���
When asked about missing fire extinguishers from the chemistry lab, a GMSSS-20 teacher said, ���It has been kept outside due to renovation.��� However, school authorities admitted that they lack a gas plant at the premises. ���Practical assignments require heat for a short time, so we use spirit lamps instead of bunsen burners,��� said a GMSSS-19 teacher. At GMSSS-8, a teacher admitted, ���Due to lack of proper ventilation in the lab, students feel suffocated while conducting a chemical reaction.��� On the other hand, students at private schools sail through easily. ���I haven���t come across any inconvenience. We have a lab in-charge who guides us,��� said Zerin, a student of Vivek High School. ���We strictly adhere to rules laid down by CBSE,��� said Daman Duggal, principal of Vivek High School.
When contacted, DPI (S) Samwartak Singh, said, ���Though education department is providing the best possible facilities to all government schools, private schools do exceed in certain areas.��� Emphasizing on Synergy Programme ���a UT department initiative to bring government schools at par with private ones��� ���Under this, private schools will share facilities as well as expertize with government schools.���