State Govt to geo-tag schools

Maharashtra Government has decided to go for geo-tagging for all the schools in the State. It would help during future policy decision as the physical location can play an important role in the same. With availability of digital mapping, the policy-makers can have precise information as to the spread of educational institutions vis-à-vis population ratio, the distance between two schools and available resources near these institutions. Even otherwise, information relating to school like student enrollment, teacher strength are already available on Central Government’s UDISE plus portal. The portal also has details as to available facilities at these institutions, number of computers and other minor details. As to reason for geo- tagging, the Education Department wants to ascertain density of education institutions in particular place, like villages or urban centres.

 

Though State is upfront on availability of education institutions as per requirement of population ratio, the state of schools can be easily ascertained based on physical photographs. Also, their precise location, as to distance from State or National highway would also help determine any future programme aimed at enhancement of education or other student centric issues. And not the least important, in case any school seeks permission for relocation then with the help of digital map, it would help in easy assessment on whether to provide nod or not. To facilitate the process of geo-tagging, a mobile app ‘Maha School GIS’ is developed by Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre to help photograph schools in all areas. The app was unveiled during cabinet meet held on April 22 by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

 

The respective school heads are now asked to login with their UDISE code on the app and fill in the information thereon. The Head Master/Mistress would need to provide GIS location (Latitude and Longitude with time stamp) capture mode. They would also need to upload photos of entire school building, kitchen shed (aided schools), washrooms for girl and boys, drinking water facility. In all, they have to click five photos and upload the same on the app. The said information is required to be filled in by the schools by April 30. Another reason for seeking geo-tagging is to cross verify whether the school actually exists at the mentioned place. In past, though institutions have availed various Government schemes, but they were functioning only on paper, means there was no required infrastructure. Hence, to prevent any misuse of public funds, School Education Department is going for the digital initiative.