In a major initiative aimed at improving the quality of education and strengthening the functioning of schools, surprise inspections have been launched across schools in all seven blocks of Sepahijala district since August 25.

The inspection drive is being conducted under the leadership of Sepahijala District Education Officer Kanika Debbarma, with 14 teams visiting schools across the district every day. One of the teams is headed by the District Education Officer herself, while another includes Deputy Director of the District Education Officer’s office Md. Selim, OSD Antony Debbarma, OSD Rakesh Debbarma, seven State IS officials and three TTAADC IS officials.

According to Kanika Debbarma, the inspections are primarily focused on the academic progress of students and the overall functioning of schools.

During the surprise visits, the teams are assessing the reading and writing skills of students from nursery to Class II, their academic progress, attendance, regularity of teachers, cleanliness of school premises and whether schools are functioning properly.

The teams are also checking the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal/PM POSHAN scheme, including whether students are receiving meals regularly and whether the quality of food is satisfactory.

So far, shortcomings have reportedly been identified in the functioning of 15 schools, following which 15 headmasters have been served show-cause notices, the District Education Officer said.

Kanika Debbarma said the surprise inspections have been undertaken to identify academic deficiencies as well as other important issues affecting schools. She added that strict action would be taken if any headmaster or assistant headmaster failed to cooperate with the inspection teams.

The inspections have reportedly created considerable concern among school heads and teachers, with officials stressing that the initiative is being carried out in the interest of students and to ensure accountability in the education system.

On Friday, August 28, the inspection teams conducted surprise visits to several schools under Jampuijala Block. The District Education Officer said the inspection drive would continue in the coming days across different parts of Sepahijala district.

Education-conscious sections of the district have welcomed the initiative, with local observers noting that educational activities in Sepahijala have seen considerable progress since Kanika Debbarma assumed charge as District Education Officer.