Notes on School Group Meeting of 17th Jan 2008

1. Meher Gadekar spoke about the Gyanshala programme being carried out in Ahmedabad municipal schools. Information on this is to be posted by him to the group
2. Meher will post suggestions on how the Annual Report of the School Education Dept should be restructured to reflect the status clearly including critical indicators. The purpose of the annual report should be to help the city plan for improvements as required
3. A discussion is to be arranged with Arthabodha to check if the data they have on school education in Pune can be used to reveal critical indicators and be used in the annual report to be made for this year (2007-08)
4. The corroboration work undertaken by ARC for infrastructure facilities should be finished asap, so that the next steps can be planned
5. The strategy for the School Group is of engagement with the School Board and of consultations with principals, teachers, PTAs, interested NGOs in Pune etc as was discussed in the meeting of 10 Jan
6. Ranjit will gather information on the responsibilities of the state and local govt vis a vis education, and who are designated authorities for various aspects
7. The School Group should enquire about the budget allocation and details for the school ed dept for 2008-09
8. The School Group should also build up its linkages with national and state level organizations and networks related to improving basic education in India

(Meherram Gadekar, Ranjit Gadgil, Avinash Madhale, Melissa Thomas, Sanskriti Menon)