CHAPTER XV

EDUCATION AND CULTURE

( a ) Historical Background

Before Independence, the area of the present Mansa District was administered by the erstwhile Princely State of Patiala and some area of present Budhlada Tahsil was part of British territory. On the formation of Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) in 1948, the district of Bathinda, came into existence with three tahsils viz. Faridkot, Bathinda and Mansa, and their headquarters were at Faridkot. The Mansa subdivision of Bathinda District was created as a new district of Mansa on 13 April 1992. As most of the present area of the district was part of the Patiala Princely State and its education system was prevailing in this area. A brief history of the education system in this area is given below:

Before the reign of Maharaja Narinder Singh, indigenous system of education was in vogue in the area, which now forms part of the Mansa District. Under the indigenous system pathshalas, chathshalas, dharamshalas and maktabs were run. In the pathshalas religious education relating to Hindu religion was imparted to the boys of Brahman community. In the chathshalas or Mahajani reading schools, lande and accounts were taught to the boys of the trading community. In Gurmukhi schools, Gurmukhi or Punjabi was taught by the Bhai or priest of the gurdwara to the children of the Sikh community and these schools were generally located in dharamshalas or gurdwaras. The maktabs were the vernacular, Persian or Arabic schools for the Muslim boys. These were of two kinds, one where only the Quran was taught and the other where Arabic was taught. Thus primary schools in the modern sense did not exist and only places where some sort of education was imparted appears to be temple or mosques. These were also called pathshalas and maktabs.

The State controlled system of education was started by Maharaja Narinder Singh. The first State school was opened in 1860 AD. In 1862 the scope of the school was enlarged and provision was made for teaching English and Mathematics, but Persian remained the most popular study. In 1870, Maharaja Mohinder Singh, created a regularly organized Educational Department under a Director assisted by an Inspector. In 1871, two Deputy Inspectors were appointed, the senior being in charge of the Patiala Circle, which comprises the nizamats of Amargarh and Pinjaur, with the Patiala Tahsil of Karamgarh, and the junior having charge of the Barnala Circle, which comprises Anandgarh and Mohindergarh nizamats with the three remaining tahsils of Karmgarh.

Till 1902 only one school at Bhikhi was being run under the Barnala Circle. In 1912, a primary school at Mansa was opened, which was raised to the status of middle school in 1920 and again it was raised to the status of high school in 1967 and it was converted into senior secondary school in 1989. Besides, Mansa, Budhlada, Joga, Sardulgarh and Jhunir remained centers of learning in olden days.

On the eve of the formation of PEPSU in 1948, the above mentioned system of education continued. In 1956 the PEPSU was merged in the Punjab and the educational pattern of Punjab became applicable to the area of present Mansa District too.

Things materially changed after Independence and even female education expanded at a rapid rate. With the passage of time, the initial prejudice of people against the western system of education also disappeared. As a result of keen interest taken by the Government and voluntary organizations in the spread of education, a number of new educational institutions were opened after Independence. The national Government gave priority to the expansion of education with an avowed policy of free and compulsory education. Punjab took a bold step of provincializing the schools maintained by the local bodies on 1 October 1957. This step was a landmark in the post Independence history of education. Education has been made free in all government schools up to middle standard and for girls upto 10+2 standard. To provide facilities of higher education in the area of present Mansa District degree colleges have been started at Mansa, Bhikhi and Budhlada. The number of educational institutions in the district as on 30 September 1999 was 454 (4 colleges, 23 senior secondary schools, 51 high schools, 88 middle schools and 288 primary schools).

(b) Literacy and Educational Standards

Educationally, Mansa is one of the most backward districts of the State. According to 1991 Census, the literacy rate of the district was 37.21 per cent ( 44.81 for males and 28.50 per cent for females) as compared to 58.51 per cent (65.66 per cent for males and 50.41 per cent for females) of the Punjab State. According to 1991 Census, the highest literacy rate in the State stands for Hoshiarpur District, 72.08 per cent (80.22 per cent for males and 63.34 per cent for females). The literacy rate of the Mansa District is the lowest among all the districts of the State.

There has been an increase of literacy rate on account of opening of more educational institutions especially in the rural areas of the district. However, since the partition of the country in 1947, with the opening of many new primary, middle and high schools and colleges, the district has made a good deal of leeway in the field of education. Now, the parents seem to be eager that their children should be provided with proper facilities for education. There is also a strong urge among the people for giving education to the girls.

The number of recognized educational institutions during 1992 to 1999 in the Mansa District is given below:

(As on 30 September)

Year	Type of Institutions
	Senior Secondary Schools(10+2 Pattern)	High Schools/Post Basic Schools	Middle Schools/Senior Basic Schools	Primary Schools/Junior Basic Schools

	Boys	Girls	Boys	Girls	Boys	Girls	Boys	Girls
1992	9	3	40	6	47	-	405	-
1993	9	3	40	6	47	-	281	-
1994	11	5	42	4	52	-	275	7
1995	15	5	44	4	56	-	294	-
1996	18	5	46	4	89	1	289	-
1997	18	5	46	4	89	1	289	-
1998	18	5	47	4	89	1	295	-
1999	18	5	47	4	87	1	288	-

(Statistical Abstracts of Punjab 1993 to 2000)

Educational Societies Rendering Service in the Field of Education

Though the main responsibility for providing educational facilities rests on the State, yet various educational societies, missions and philanthropic endowments are also rendering useful service to the people in the field of education in the district. A brief account of these is given below:

(i) Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha.- This society is rendering useful service to the people in the field of education in the district. It is a registered body and is running a number of educational institutions in the district. It is running Gandhi High School, Mansa since 1950. Besides, Sanatan Dharam Mahavidyala, Mansa was established in 1969.

(ii) Jain Sabha.-This society is also rendering valuable service to the people in the field of education. Since 1940, Jain Girls High School, Mansa is being run by the society in the district.

(iii) Dayanand Anglo Vedic Society.- This society have also done a pioneering work in the field of education and social upliftment of women in the district. They are running three schools viz. D.A.V. High School, Mansa (started in 1986); and D.A.V. Senior Secondary School, Budhlada and N.K.D.M D.A.V. Public School, Budhlada.

(iv) Arya Samaj.- The Arya Samaj has been playing a vital role in the field of education. Arya Public School, Bareta is being run by this society in the district.

Singh Sabhas and other Sikh Societies.- These societies have played a vital role in the promotion of education in the district. A large number of educational institutions right from the middle to the degree level are being run at various places in the district. Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee is playing a keen role in the runnning of various educational institutions. Since 1942 it is running Khalsa High School, Mansa. Since 1942 The Guru Nanak College, Budhlada was established in 1971 by this society. Besides, Khalsa Rural Nursing Training Institute and Hospital was started in 1987 and Khalsa Dental Hospital and College for Women was started in 1995 by these societies.

Rashtriya Sarvhitkari Sabha.-This is also a national society which is rendering useful service in the field of education. A number of institutions are being run by this society at various places in the district. The schools run by the society in the district are: S. Chetar Singh Sarvhitkari Senior Secondary Vidya Mandir, Mansa; Sh. Hit Abhilashi Sarvhitkari Vidya Mandir, Budhlada Sh Tara Chand Vidya Mandir Bhikhi and Dashmesh Sarvhitkari Vidya Mandir, Sardulgarh.

Besides the above bodies, a number of other societies and philanthropic and religious associations are also running educational institutions at various places in the district. These institutions are NMSD Public School, Budhlada, Mata Chhan Kaur Convent School, Sardulgarh, Baba Farid Convent School, Jhunir, F.M.D. School Jaurkian, D.M.D.Model School, Bareta and Nature Way Public School, Mansa.

Women's Education

Education of women remained completely neglected in the area now forming Mansa District till the first quarter of the 20^th century. Female education was confined to religious instructions only and that too was imparted to them in their homes. Girls were not allowed to go outside their homes for education. Education of women, thus, remained neglected in the past. The progress of female education accelerated only after Independence when Government and voluntary organizations opened number of schools for girls. Parents have begun to consider the education of their daughters as important as that of their sons, to get them settled in life. The Compulsory Primary Education Act, 1960, has made it obligatory on parents to send their girls of the age-group of 6 and above to schools. More facilities were provided to the girl students and only lady teacher were appointed in girls schools. Besides, to further encourage this woman education, the Government is providing free education to all girl students upto 10+2 level. The changing social order and efforts of various religious societies and voluntary organizations have brought progress in the sphere of women education. As on 30 September 1999, 1 college, 5 senior secondary schools, 4 high schools and 1 middle school exclusively for women were functioning in the district.

According to 1991 Census, the literacy rate among females in the district was 28.50 per cent as compared to 50.41 per cent of the state as a whole, which is lowest in the State.

As on 30 September 1999, there were 50,381 girl students studying in primary/junior basic schools, middle/senior basic schools, high/post basic schools and senior secondary schools in the district.

Education of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes

Before Independence, hardly any efforts were made in the direction of eradication of mass illiteracy among the Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. These people were too poor to afford the benefits of education and too backward to be alive to its need. There was a tendency to employ young children on odd jobs to supplement the family income. It was after Independence that the Government vigorously directed its policy towards raising general level of literacy among them. In deference to the special provision laid down in the Constitution, seats were reserved in professional and technical institutions for these classes. They were exempted from payment of tuition fees, etc. Government has introduced various welfare schemes under which these students were provided free books, stipends and scholarships in all the educational institutions. Students desirous of getting higher education in law, medical and engineering are given grants for the purchase of costly books. Two zonal coaching centers at Patiala and S.A.S.Nagar are providing free boarding and lodging and free books in order to prepare the Scheduled Castes students for I.A.S., I.P.S. and other allied services.

The financial assistance given to the students belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes studying in the middle, high and senior secondary schools of the district, during 1993-94 to 1999-2000 is given below:

Year	Number of Scheduled Castes students	Total Amount Disbursed (Rs)	Number of Backward Classes students	Total Amount Disbursed (Rs)
1993-94	377	81,136	166	35,726
1994-95	1,201	1,88,360	240	37,640
1995-96	1,261	1,93,743	249	38,257
1996-97*	5,262	12,03,431	3,483	7,96,569
1997-98	6,480	13,99,468	4,740	10,23,685
1998-99	6,328	43,57,527	4,970	34,22,393
1999-2000	-	-	-	-

{Source:District Education Officer(Secondary), Mansa}

* The data for 1996-97 includes increased rates of stipends and arrears

The financial assistance provided to Scheduled Castes girl students studying in primary schools of the district during 1992-93 to 1999-2000 is given below:

Year No. of girl students Amount disbursed

(Rs)

1992-93 5,836 10,91,392

1993-94 5,878 13,88,650

1994-95 7,221 16,74,267

1995-96 7,979 20,63,776

1996-97 9,567 36,00,000

1997-98 11,106 34,34,000

1998-99 11,336 8,55,083**

1999-2000 12,837 54,17,000

{Source:District Education Officer( Primary),Mansa}

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**The amount is only for two months

The number of students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes studying in different schools in Mansa District during 1999-2000 is given below:

Type of Number of Scheduled Castes Number of Backward Classes

Institution Student Student

Institution Students Students

	Boys	Girls	Total	Boys	Girls	Total
Primary Schools	29,771	27,052	56,823	4,663	4,199	8,862
Middle Schools	1,392	1,086	2,478	620	523	1,143
High Schools	1,652	1,211	2,863	1,290	1,113	2,403
Senior Secondary Schools	2,047	1,170	3,217	1,243	965	2,208

(Source: District Education Officer (Secondary and Primary), Mansa)

Medium of Instruction

According to the Sachar Formula introduced in the State in 1949, the teaching of Punjabi as the first language and as a medium of instruction began from the first class and Hindi as the second language was introduced from the third class. This was replaced on 2 July 1969, by a Three-Language Formula under which Punjabi was made the first compulsory language as medium of instruction in Government schools at all levels. Besides, Hindi was made compulsory from the third class and English from the sixth class onwards. From April 1998, the English has been introduced as a compulsory language from first class in the State. The privately managed schools have been given the option to retain Punjabi or Hindi as medium of instruction, but such schools, which opt Hindi as the medium of instruction are required to teach Punjabi as a compulsory language. This solution evolved by the Government has gone a long way in solving the language problems in the State. It has ensured compulsory instructions in Punjabi in all the schools and has enabled the Hindi medium schools to continue teaching through that medium and, as such, the entire school going population in the State has become conversant with both the languages as also with English.

Educational Set-up.-The set-up of the education department was changed on May 1963 when the District Education Officer was made its over all in charge of education activities up to high and higher secondary schools level in the district. Again on 1 April 1978 the primary wing was separated and the District Education Officer (Primary) was made in charge of the primary education. Now the District Education Officer (Secondary), Mansa is controlling and supervising all middle, high and senior secondary schools in the district. He functions under the control of the Director of Public Instructions (Secondary), Punjab through the Circle Education Officer, Nabha (district Patiala). He is assisted by 1 Deputy District Education Officer, 1 Science Supervisor, 1 District Administrative Officer, 1 Section Officer, 1 Auditor, 2 Superintendents, 7 Assistants besides miscellaneous Class III and Class IV staff.

The District Education Officer (Primary), Mansa functions under the administrative control of the Director of Public Instructions (Primary).He is assisted by 1 Deputy District Education Officer, 1 Superintendent, 1 Senior Assistant, 1 Clerk and miscellaneous Class III and IV staff.

( c) General Education

Pre-Primary Schools

A systematic pre-primary education is of recent origin. It promotes physical, intellectual, mental and emotional growth of the children between the age group of 3-6 years. Education is imparted through play way activities of kindergarten and Montessori methods. The aim of this education is to create a healthy social environment in which the child may develop his physique and intellect. The main object of such education at this stage is to provide healthy conditions for the young children and to give them social experience. Some voluntary organizations and individuals have started private schools to meet the requirements of small children. As on 31 March 2000, 53 Angan Wari centres were also run by Director, Social Security and Women and Child Development, Punjab with the cooperation of Mahila Mandals and panchayats.

Primary and Basic Schools

The courses of free and compulsory primary education was started in the State during the third Five Year Plan (1961-66) for the age group of 7-8 years in 1962-63 to that of 8-9 years in 1963-64, to that of 9-10 years in 1964-65 and to that of 10-11 years in 1965-66. Special incentives such as supply of free text books and mid-day meals are provided to the children belonging to weaker sections of the society.

Besides State Government’s efforts the district has not made much progress in the field of literacy. The total number of primary/junior basic schools, both Government and private, in the district as on 30 September 1999 was 288 with 65,685 (34,434 boys and 31,251 girls) students. The number of teachers in the primary schools in the district, as on 30 September 1999 was 1,183 (639 males and 544 females).

In order to improve the literacy rate, the Central Government has started the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Programme which is Central Government’s new concept for universalization of elementary education. The Mansa District has been covered under this programme during the financial year 2001-2002. The main aim of this programme is to educate children of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, females, disabled and children in difficult situation between the age group of 6-14 years.

Secondary Schools

The increase in the number of children/scholars in primary schools due to the introduction of free and compulsory education has encouraged the enrolment drive in the middle, high and senior secondary schools. To attract more children of the age group of 11-14 and 14-17 years to these schools, middle, high and senior secondary schools have been opened within short distances. Besides, some new subjects such as music and dancing, home science and agriculture has been introduced in various government schools. Vocational courses have also been introduced so that the students may also become vocationally sound.

As on 30 September 1999, there were 88 middle schools (87 boys and 1 girls) 51 high schools (47 boys and 4 girls) and 23 senior secondary schools(18 boys and 5 girls). The total number of students studying in middle, high and senior secondary schools were 9,721 (5,323 boys and 4,398 girls), 16,961 (9,117 boys and 7,844 girls) and 17,036 (10,148 boys and 6,888 girls) respectively. The total number of teachers in the middle, high and senior secondary schools in the district were 491 (267 males and 224 females), 511 (276 males and 235 females) and 512 (264 males and 248 females) respectively.

Besides the above schools, now-a-days, many modern public schools have mushroomed in the district. These modern schools are English medium from Ist class to middle and matric. Only middle class people or rich persons can afford to send their children to such institutions which charge exorbitant fees.

Introduction of Plus 2 System of Education in Schools

In order to implement the National Policy of Education, 10+2 system of education was introduced in the State in 1986. All the colleges and senior secondary schools have introduced 10+2 classes in the district. These are affiliated with the Punjab School Education Board, SAS Nagar (Mohali).The number of schools brought under this scheme in the district upto 30 September 1999 was 23.

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Higher Education

There was no facility of higher education in the district before opening of Nehru Memorial Government College, Mansa in 1965. As on 30 September 1999 there were only 4 colleges (1 Government and 3 Private) in the district . All these institutions are affiliated to Punjabi University, Patiala. The colleges functioning in the district, as on 31 March 2000, are briefly described as under:

Nehru Memorial Government College, Mansa.-The college was established on Mansa-Barnala road in 1965. It offers instructions in arts, science and commerce upto 10+2 level and in arts and commerce upto degree level. The institution has a well-stocked library. There are a number of cultural and literary societies functioning in the college. Training in N.C.C and N.S.S is also given. It also provides facilities for athletics and games. The college brings out its magazine ‘ The Ideal’ annually.

The number of students on the rolls of the college, during 1999-2000 was 1,

066 (1,018 boys and 48 girls).

Sanatan Dharam Kanya Mahavidyala, Mansa.- Started in November 1969, the college imparts instructions in Arts and Commerce upto degree level. The college has a well-stocked library for the facility of the students. Students are encouraged to participate in games. Besides, there is a provision for training in N.C.C. and N.S.S. It brings out its magazine ‘Sudhansha’ annually.

The number of students on the rolls of the college, during 1999-2000 was 690.

Guru Nanak College, Budhlada.-The college was established in the commemoration of quincentenary of Guru Nanak Dev in July 1971 and was taken over by Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee, Amritsar on 9 November 1994. The college provides instructions in Arts, Science and Commerce upto (10+2) level and in Arts and Commerce upto degree classes. A number of societies, clubs and associations have been functioning in the college. Training in N.C.C. and N.S.S. is also provided. There is also a good provision for athletics and games. Besides, the college has also Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle Unit which encourages the youth not to indulge in intoxicants by organising seminars, meetings, etc.

The number of students on the rolls of the college, during 1999-2000 was 529 (403 boys and 126 girls).

National College, Bhikhi.- It was started in 1991 and the college offers instructions in Arts and Commerce upto 10+2 level and only in Arts upto degree level. Training in N.C.C and N.S.S is also provided in the college. It brings out its magazine named ‘Jot’ annually.

The number of students on the rolls of the college, during 1999-2000 was 504 (436 boys and 68 girls).

(d) Professional and Technical Education

Teacher’s Training

Institutions for training teachers are a prerequisite for the expansion and spread of education. The State Council of Education and Research Training is running a number of teacher’s training institutions at various places in the State. Out of these institutions one is functioning at Budhlada . A brief account of this institution is given below:

District Institute of Education and Training, Budhlada (Mansa).-The institution was shifted from Faridkot to Budhlada in 1973 as a J.B.T. School and upto 1982 it served as a J.B.T School. It started functioning from the session 1990 to provide Elementary Teachers Training of two years duration. The students are imparted training in Pre-Service Teachers' Education (PSTE), Innovation and Coordination (IFIC), Planning and Management (P&M), Educational Technology (ET), Curriculum Material Development and Evaluation (CMDE), Work Experience (WE) and District Resource Unit (DRU). It has well equipped science laboratory and a library. Every year 50 students were admitted for this course, but from the session 1996-98, the number of seats has been raised to 100 (50 boys and 50 girls). The institution brings out its magazine ‘Aks’ annually.

The number of students on the rolls of the institution as on 31 March 2000, was 205 (106 boys and 99 girls).

Technical Education

In order to impart technical education the Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar and Directorate of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Punjab, Chandigarh runs a number of Degree Colleges, Polytechnics and Industrial Training Institutes /Centres in the State.There is no engineering institution in the district. However, industrial training is provided by Industrial Training Institutes to men and women with a view to ensuring a steady flow of skilled workers in different trades. During 1999-2000, two Industrial Training Institutions were functioning in the district at Budhlada and Mansa. One of these institutes is purely for Scheduled Castes students. These institutions prepare students for certificate courses in various trades such as, fitter, turner, machinist, motor mechanic, electrician, wireman, draftsman (civil), radio, T.V. mechanic, welder, stenography (both in English & Punjabi), cutting and tailoring, footwear and computer science, etc.

Detailed particulars of these Industrial Training Institutes/Centres in the Mansa District have been given in Chapter V ‘Industries’.

Medical Education

Khalsa Dental Hospital and College for Women, Nangal Kalan (Mansa).- This college was started by Khalsa Rural Nursing Training Institute and Hospital Trust (Regd.) in 1995 with the approval of Dental Council of India, New Delhi. It provides facilities for BDS degree course to the students. In the beginning, the institute was affiliated with Punjabi University, Patiala with intake of 60 students, later on the number of seats was enhanced to 100. At present the institution has been affiliated with Baba Farid University of Health Science, Faridkot. Since 1999 no admission has been made in the BDS.

The number of students on the rolls of the institution for BDS as on 31 March 2000 was 180.

(e) Physical Education

Physical education is mainly a part of general education. To attain physical fitness right from the early years of schooling, games and physical education have been made compulsory subjects in the middle, high and senior secondary schools since 1974. It aims at all-round physical development of the students. It is imparted through physical activity which keeps the body fit. This scheme is functioning well in schools under the supervision of the Headmasters with the help of the Physical Training Instructors. In the colleges physical education is directed and guided by the Director of Physical Education. The development of sports in the State is the responsibility of the Department of Sports, the Punjab State Sports Council and Sports Wing of the Education Department.

Besides the above, the following schemes under separate departments also promote the cause of physical education in the district:-

1 Promotion of Sports and Games by the State Sports Department

2 National Fitness Corps sponsored by the Government of India

3 National Cadet Corps

4 Bharat Scouts and Guides

(1)Promotion of Sports and Games.- Games and sports are considered a necessary part of students education and training for life. Keeping in view the importance of sports, the Punjab Government created the Sports Department in 1961 and appointed players of national and international fame as Sports Officer. At the district level, this department is under the charge of a District Sports Officer, Mansa, who is assisted by a number of Sports Coaches to give training to the boys and girls. One coaching centre for volleyball has been set up for this purpose at Mansa. Besides, there is coaching centre for Boxing in Khalsa High School, Mansa.

The main functions of the department are to provide facilities in sports to the sportspersons of colleges, schools,, private institutions, etc. according to their requisitions. In general the training is given in the evening, once a day in the coaching centre twice a day in schools and colleges. The department is making strenuous efforts to promote sports talent in all parts of the State. The department organises tournaments and training camps. The department awards scholarships to the distinguished players, pension to old age players, besides giving grants for the development of playgrounds.

On the sports front, the district has achieved many distinctions. Girls under 17 age group of Mansa District and boys under 14 age group have obtained first position in the State level games in Kabbadi. One student has achieved Ist position in handball and one student has achieved IIIrd position in Cricket under 14 years age group in National School Games held at Anandpur Sahib.

The following District Sports Associations were functioning in the district during 1999-2000:-

District Sports Associations

1 District Athletics Association, Mansa

2 District Basketball Association, Mansa

3 District Badminton Association, Mansa

4 District Boxing Association, Mansa

5 District Cricket Association, Mansa

6 District Football Association, Mansa

7 District Handball Association, Mansa

8 District Hockey Association, Mansa

9 District Kabbadi Association, Mansa

10 District Rifle Shooting Association,Mansa

11 District Table-Tennis Association,Mansa

12 District Wrestling Association,Mansa

13 District Kho-Kho Association, Mansa

14 District Fencing Association,Mansa

15 District Volleyball Association,Mansa

(2) National Fitness Corps.-In order to develop character and discipline and to make the children physically fit the National Discipline Scheme was started. The scheme created a new awakening in the field of physical education culminating in the formulation of the National Fitness Corps Programme containing a wide scope of physical education. Good points of all schemes relating to physical education were incorporated in the scheme for National Fitness Corps. It aims at developing physical efficiency, toughness, courage, endurance, discipline, patriotic fervour, appreciation for democratic values of life and love for the country among the students. The scheme was recommended by Kunzru Committee by merging the National Discipline Scheme, Auxilliary Cadet Corps and Physical Education .

The programme includes exercise tables, drill and marching, lazium, gymnastics and folk dances, major and minor games and relays, track and field events, tests and hiking, combatives and national ideals and good citizenship, practical projects and community singing of the National Anthem and patriotic songs.

The scheme is implemented in the district under the Circle in charge of sports who functions under the supervision of District Education Officer (Primary). At the block level, one block in charge, Sports is appointed who functions under the supervision of District Education Officer (P) and Circle; In charge, National Fitness Corps at the district level.

The total strength of students under the scheme in the schools of the Mansa District as on 31 March 2000 was 25,500 (13,800 boys and 11,700 girls). The Government Primary School, Khera Khurd in the district achieved 2^nd position in Wrestling (30 Kg) and Kabbadi at the State level. (3) National Cadet Corps.- In order to develop the qualities of leadership, unity and discipline among the youth, National Cadet Corps was introduced in the educational programme in 1948. After the Chinese Aggression, it was made compulsory for all the able bodied undergraduate boy students at college level in July 1963. N.C.C training is imparted regularly during academic sessions and through outdoor camps. Later on, a programme, namely N.S.S. ( Nationals Service Scheme has been introduced as alternative to N.C.C. which is no longer compulsory. The aims of the National Cadet Corps are to develop character, comradeship, ideal of service and capacity for leadership in youth, men and women to give service training to young men and women so as to stimulate interest in the defence of the country and to build up a reserve of manpower to enable the Armed Forces to expand rapidly in national emergency. National Cadet Corps in the Mansa District is functioning under the jurisdiction of Group Headquarters, Patiala.

The motto of National Cadet Corps is ‘Unity and Discipline’. The cadets are imparted training in the military subjects, viz, rifle-firing, field craft, foot-drill, civil defence, map reading, etc. Girls are given training in first-aid, operating telephones, telegraphs and wireless. Senior and Junior Divisions Cadets are organized into units each commanded by a regular Army Major or an Officer of equivalent rank in the Air Force. The Cadets also attend annual outdoor training camps.

The number of students on the rolls in the National Cadet Corps in

the Mansa District as on 31 March 2000 is given below:

	Boys	Girls	Total
Senior Division	425	53	478
Junior Division	100	-	100

(Source:Training Officer, NCC Group Head Quarters,Patiala )

(4) Bharat Scouts and Guides.- The Bharat Scouts and Guides Punjab has its State Headquarters at Chandigarh and a Training Centre at Tara Devi (Shimla Hills). In the Mansa District, the scheme is being run by the District Education Officer (Primary), Mansa. It organizes scouts and guides rallies, social-service camps at the time of melas, and gives training to young men and young women in cooking and handicrafts, tent-pitching, etc.The training imparted inculcates in the trainees the qualities of self-help, discipline and spirit for good service to all at all times. The boys and girls trained in this movement turn out to be good and useful citizens with broader out-look. They are also taught first-aid. They render service at festivals, exhibitions, etc. in maintaining law and order and also render aid to helpless, to the sick and wounded. The total strength of cubs in the district as on 31 December 2000 was 69.

The motto of the Bharat Scouts and Guides is ‘Be Prepared.’

(f) Adult Literacy, Social Measures for the Diffusion of Education and Culture among the Masses

The campaign was started in the Mansa District on 12 June 1996 with the help of voluntary agencies. In order to mobilize the masses, seminars, workshops, exhibitions and literacy camps are organised at various places in the district. To create interest in the voluntary organisation catchy slogans like ‘Each One Teach One’ are cited. Mass meetings are organised. Help of print media and audio visual media is also taken to create interest in the public towards education. Literacy melas/fetes, inter school festivals and competitions are organised in the district.

In order to sustain the Total Literacy Compaign Sakhrta Jyoti was lightened and State Level World Literacy Day was observed at Mansa on 8 September 1994.

The programme was in full swing till August 1999, after that no progress has been made in this field. The main aim of the programme was to impart functional literacy to the target group of 15-35 years. Functional literacy aimed at four objectives viz; achieving self-reliance in literacy and numeracy; awareness building regarding present backward conditions; skill-formation to improve socio-economic status and intellectual orientation towards the state welfare ideas, national integration and female emancipation. It helped to increase enrolment in 6-11 years age group and reduction of dropout rate; non-formal education for 15-35 age group and empowerment of 15-35 years target groups which are productive units of the economy.

On the commencement of the programme 1,15,232 persons were detected illiterate in the Mansa District. The number of persons admitted under the programme was 74,942, out of which only 28,682 persons have passed primer I, II and III upto 31 August 1999.

(g) Cultural and Literary Societies and Periodicals

The district has made significant contribution in the field of literature. A number of cultural organisations are actively engaged in promoting literary activities in the district. For the development of rich cultural heritage, cultural and literacy societies play an important role in the district. These societies aim at promoting Punjabi culture, create national unity through cultural programmes and publicise development schemes, through songs, dramas and by organizing various literary functions.

A number of literary and cultural societies functioning in the Mansa District are given below:

Literacy Societies

1 Navyug Sahit Kala Manch, Bhikhi

2 Sahit Kala Sangam, Mansa

3 Geetkar Association, Mansa

Cultural Societies

1 Prof. Ajmer Singh Aulakh Natak Mandli, Mansa

2 Samita Patil Award Society, Mansa (Kundan Art Theatre)

3 Punjab Kala Manch, Mansa

Samita Patil Award Society, Mansa honours the young artists in the field of cultural activities. The society came into existence in 1986 in association with Kundan Art Theatre, Mansa which has been deeply associated with art.

The schools and colleges lay a great emphasis on the promotion of cultural pursuits. Some colleges have introduced music and dance as the regular discipline in the course of studies while others have cultural societies for the promotion of fine arts, music, dance, drama, etc. These societies organise cultural functions and partake in various cultural competitions and youth festivals organised at regional and university levels.

Periodicals

Information pertaining to the periodicals published in the district has been given in Chapter XVIII ‘Public Life and Voluntary Social Service Organizations’.

(h) Libraries, Museums, etc.

During the erstwhile State of Patiala, there was little spread of education in the area now comprising Mansa District. At that time Patiala State had its State library at Patiala. Libraries in the towns of this district were quite unknown. After the formation of PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union), the Government thought of opening some village libraries through its Development Department. But its efforts could not make much headway due to paucity of funds. However, after the merger of PEPSU with State of Punjab in 1956, the Punjab Government started making allocations to the libraries which had their own buildings. With the introduction of village library scheme, the movement has also reached the rural people, as almost all the panchayat samitis in the district are opening libraries in their respective areas. Every town in the district has also got a library or a reading room. Besides, schools and colleges have their own libraries for the use of the students and teaching staff. These subscribe to a large number of daily newspapers, weeklies, monthlies, etc.

The District Library, Mansa.- Established on 21 December 1995, it is under the control of Education Department, Punjab. It has 6,672 books and 807 members. It subscribes to 12 daily newspapers and 28 periodicals (4 weeklies, 6 fortnightlies and 18 monthlies). The number of members on the rolls of the library as on 31 March 2000 was 999.

Besides, the well-known libraries of the district are: the Sant Harchand Singh Longowal Municipal Library, Mansa, Nagar Council Library, Budhlada and S. Amolak Singh Yaadgari Library, Joga.

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