Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to thank the hon. Member for this PQ which will allow me to expand on the new philosophy of this Government regarding amenities of government schools. In fact, I am informed that some of the amenities of government schools were already accessible to the public prior to my coming into office. However, given that there are numerous requests from registered organisations to benefit from government school amenities, my Ministry has decided to provide more access to the following amenities – 1. gymnasium for badminton;

88 2. football grounds, volleyballs and basketball pitches, and 3. classrooms to conduct workshops on human values, anti-bullying campaigns and training by registered agencies to empower our senior citizens and women’s organisations. It has been reported that there are no appropriate amenities in many localities for the public to practice activities such as karate, yoga and Zumba among others. With a view to providing such leisure activities in different localities as a primordial antidote for drug and substance abuse, the public will be given access to the above activities in more government schools in light of emerging needs and requirements. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as per the existing procedures, registered groups or organisations have to submit their applications to the Heads of School or to the Zone Directorates. Same are approved by the Zone Directors upon the recommendation of the Head of School for a period valid up to four months, subject to availability of slots. There is a payment of a nominal fee of Rs100 per hour for badminton courts and Rs200 per hour for whole gymnasium and football ground. The nominal fees are used to cover the cost of maintenance and security service for the amenities. With a view to maximising safe and secure access to Government for school amenities for extracurricular activities after school hours, the current procedures will be streamlined and the fees to be charged will be reconsidered. The amenities of schools will be granted to registered organisations in the locality and its surrounding areas. A survey across all schools having such amenities will be conducted and same will be put at the disposal of the public. However, this will entail a responsible use of these amenities. Those who will be using the school premises will have to adhere to strict discipline, rules and regulations which will be set by the Heads of School and Zonal Directors. In no way, should our staff or students be penalised or disturbed by this measure. I wish also to reassure Educators and Head of Schools that opening the premises of Government schools after school hours for extracurricular activities will not entail any additional hours of work for them. Thank you.

Thank you. Time is over! The Table has been advised that PQ B/441 has been withdrawn.

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