SIkkim: Winter coaching for Class X and XII students under CM’s Mentorship Programme launched in Gangtok

The Chief Minister’s Mentorship Programme, aimed at providing winter coaching classes for Class X and XII students, was officially launched on December 16, 2024, in the Conference Hall of the Education Department. The event was chaired by Raju Basnet, the Minister of Education, and was graced by R. Telang, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of the Education Department, as the special guest.

The launch event also saw the presence of Tashi Chophel, Secretary of School Education, Shri Sonam Denzongpa, Principal Director of Education, and other senior officials from the Education Department. Representatives from all six districts, including Chief Education Officers, school heads, teachers, and students, gathered to mark the commencement of the winter coaching programme. A total of 5,850 students are enrolled in 134 centers across the state, with trained teachers assigned to help students prepare for the board exams, with the goal of achieving a 100% pass rate.

The coaching classes, which began on December 16, will continue until January 25, 2025. Public representatives, including Area MLAs, Zilla Panchayats, and Gram Panchayats, inaugurated all the coaching centers on the same day.

In his opening remarks, R. Telang emphasized the importance of achieving the 100% pass target for Class 10 students. He highlighted the need for collective efforts from all stakeholders—teachers, head teachers, School Managing Committees, Gram Panchayats, and education department officials—to create a supportive and motivating environment for students. He stressed that many students fail due to a lack of support, and the mentorship programme is an opportunity to change that.

Minister Raju Basnet interacted with school heads and emphasized the importance of dedication from all parties involved. He encouraged schools to implement effective strategies and ensure high motivation levels, especially during the festive season when distractions could affect students’ focus. The Minister also advised focusing on subjects like Science and Mathematics, suggesting the segregation of students based on their learning levels to provide more targeted remedial teaching.

Basnet reaffirmed that the primary objective of the programme is not to single out any individual but to work collectively towards the common goal of a 100% pass rate. He expressed confidence that through consistent effort and collaboration, this goal could be achieved, setting a benchmark for educational excellence in the state.