First smart classroom inaugurated at primary school in Jamuria

A pioneering initiative has been launched at Ikrah Free Primary School in Jamuria, West Burdwan district, where the first-ever smart classroom in a state government-run primary school has been inaugurated.

The facility features fully digital smart boards, bright modern classrooms, and a digital curriculum designed to motivate students.

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While time will tell whether the initiative will improve attendance or help reduce school dropouts, the move has been widely welcomed by education department officials, local legislators, and the district administration.

Ikrah village, located on the outskirts of Asansol, holds historical and cultural significance. Rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, born in nearby Churulia, had close links with Ikrah, and the in-laws of eminent novelist Shailjanand Mukherjee also hailed from the village. The first primary school here was established in 1939, before Independence, and continues to operate successfully. Unlike many rural schools struggling with low enrolment, Ikrah Free Primary School maintains a healthy number of students.

The newly-inaugurated smart classroom was officially opened by Jamuria MLA Hareram Singh and District Education Council chairman Rathindranath Majumdar, in the presence of Jamuria Circle school inspector Arijit Mondal. Alongside the classroom, a stage named after Vidyasagar and a landscaped garden were also inaugurated. Headmaster Rajiv Roy described the initiative as a step towards creating a more engaging and effective learning environment.

“Smart classes mean making learning smarter. In today’s digital age, children are naturally drawn to screens. Our aim is to channel that attraction towards education, boost attendance, and reduce dropouts,” said Headmaster Rajiv Roy.

Addressing the issue of mobile phone addiction among students, he added, “Children are fascinated by screens because they can interact with audio-visual content. Here too, they can use the smart boards themselves to explore educational and awareness topics — learning through touch and visuals in a positive way.”

Teachers and staff at Ikrah Primary School hope that this digital classroom will inspire students who have dropped out to return, encouraged by their peers’ enthusiasm for the new facilities.

Upon learning of the development, Dr Partha Karmakar, deputy secretary of the State Board of Primary Education, viewed the classroom via video call and praised the initiative. “Though smart classes have been introduced in some schools across the state, we haven’t seen one as impressive as this. We wholeheartedly welcome this effort,” he said.

District Education Council Chairman Rathindranath Majumdar expressed similar appreciation: “Teaching methods must evolve with the times. The headmaster has shown great foresight, and this is the first such initiative in the district. We plan to introduce similar smart classrooms in other schools in the near future.”

Jamuria MLA Hareram Singh added: “Government-run schools are being modernised, and their quality is improving significantly. I will continue to support these schools in every possible way.”

The smart classroom at Ikrah Primary School has been developed with the support of a local private factory under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

Factory owner Shrikumar Dalmiya said, “We created this smart classroom to offer facilities that are generally available only in private English-medium schools. Our company stands with this school, and we will continue to provide further support, including computers and other equipment, in the future.”