Simdega witnessed a significant district-level ‘Mukhiya Sammelan 2025’ at the scenic Kelaghadh Dam. Organized by Jharkhand Education Project’s Samagra Shiksha, the event aimed to empower local representatives with crucial insights into school management, improving education quality, boosting enrollment, preventing dropouts, developing infrastructure, and fostering community participation. Deputy Commissioner Kanchana Singh inaugurated the conference, emphasizing the pivotal role of Mukhiyas as ‘Guardians of Schools’. She urged them to actively monitor schools, focusing on attendance, cleanliness, and mid-day meal schemes. Singh also highlighted the emotional well-being of children in residential schools, requesting Mukhiyas to spend quality time with them. The venue choice at Kelaghadh Dam also served to raise awareness about local tourism potential, with suggestions for developing tourism committees, implementing parking fees, penalizing litterbugs, and banning plastics. Superintendent of Police M. Arshi underscored the necessity of grassroots awareness for educational progress, calling upon Mukhiyas to fulfill their responsibilities with dedication. Representatives voiced concerns regarding caste and residential certificate issuance for marginalized communities, which impact access to education and scholarships. The Deputy Commissioner assured prompt resolution of these issues. A presentation by Piramal Foundation noted improvements in NITI Aayog standards for primary and upper primary education.
