The West Bengal School Education Department has decided to release INR 23.9 crore in laboratory grants for the upgrade and renovation of labs dedicated to physics, chemistry, biology, and geography across 1,084 schools at the higher secondary education level. Following reviews conducted by the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education, the state government concluded that upgrades were necessary in higher secondary school labs in 1,084 out of 7,500 government schools across West Bengal. Many schools with a significant number of students are in need of lab upgrades. 

Cyclone Amphan affected schools in the South 24 Parganas. The cyclone also damaged laboratories in these schools. This situation necessitates investment in the renovation and upgrade of the affected labs. The initial discussion regarding the lab fund took place during pre-COVID times. The pandemic created issues in the disbursement at that time. Finally, the government has arranged for the implementation of the lab upgrade fund.

Consequently, the School Education Department of the Government of West Bengal aims to eliminate outdated tools in existing labs and move forward with the upgrade of practical facilities, while focusing on restoring labs that were bereft of capabilities due to the devastation caused by Cyclone Amphan.

Why Are Higher Secondary Lab Upgrades Necessary?

In classes 11 and 12, it is paramount to inculcate science students with a hunger for practical and hands-on learning in addition to theoretical lessons. Practical and theoretical education are equally important at the higher secondary level.

Class 11 practical lessons provide students with the first taste of experimentation. Scientific experimentation culminates in the production of experimental data, which determines the success or failure of the experiment. When students operate faulty, outdated, or improper equipment, it leads to false data capture, and consequent distaste for the faculties of science. To prevent such a misunderstanding of the subject, up-to-date and well-maintained lab equipment is crucial.

Optical bench by Labkafe

The long operation of optical benches and sonometers causes the loss of their calibrations and markings. Thus, the replacement of old equipment is extremely important.

Need for lab upgrades in schools across West Bengal

The lab equipment industry is constantly in flux, and new updates and tools are always on the horizon. Therefore, regularly updating labs exposes students to the latest technology, helping them compete with peers both nationally and internationally. Students with better laboratory exposure at the higher secondary level have a greater chance of competing with international students, especially when applying to elite universities abroad. This places the state of West Bengal, and by extension the nation, at the forefront of scientific education globally.

During Cyclone Amphan, multiple schools in the South 24 Parganas district suffered heavy damage. This laboratory grant will significantly help restore normalcy in schools across West Bengal, where prolonged property losses have disadvantaged students. The lab upgrades will allow them to receive practical lessons on par with those of schools across the state. 

Steps such as the allocation of grants, as recently seen by the Government of West Bengal, will augment the hard work of students and give them a much-needed edge over students from non-government schools, but only if the schools proceed with top-notch collaborations for their laboratories.

Lab Upgrade Solutions in West Bengal

When opting for upgrades, quality, durability, and dependability of the new equipment are of paramount importance. High-quality upgrades are extremely long-lasting, resulting in high returns on investment and minimal repair costs. Tough packaging is necessary for transport. The quality of glass and plastic items, such as test tubes and containers, plays an important role, as they often face exposure to flames or store hazardous chemicals like acids. To ensure student safety, schools need high-quality apparatus. High-quality equipment provides reliable calibration, security, and durability.

Model of the human torso by Labkafe

In addition to this, they produce reproducible results. This is important because students tend to refine their practical skills here, and then move on to board exams for final results. If students do not get optimum equipment to practice their skills, they won’t be able to perform well in final and board exams either. The school plays a key role in training students for exams and future endeavors.

Labkafe has readymade and customizable lab packages for higher secondary education, optimized for the West Bengal state education board. They provide durable, dependable, and reliable equipment that fulfill the needs of students and teachers alike. Get in touch with our lab experts today!