Chandigarh education dept launches WhatsApp communication channel for schools

Indian Express

2 days ago

The Department of School Education, UT Chandigarh, has launched an official WhatsApp communication channel, connecting school heads, teachers, cluster coordinators, and administrators across the city on a unified digital platform. This initiative aligns with the department's broader digital transformation agenda, anchored by the implementation of the School Management Information System (SMIS), and marks a significant shift toward agile, transparent, and data-driven administration.
As per H Brar, director, School Education, Chandigarh, the channel will facilitate a two-way communication between the department and schools, sharing training resources and technical guidance, cutting down office delays, fostering transparent decision-making, and creating a digitally connected education ecosystem.
Education Secretary Prerna Puri said the department is moving toward an integrated, tech-enabled governance framework. 'We are not merely digitising existing systems, we are reimagining the way schools function, and this channel is a step toward an education system that is transparent, connected, and capable of real-time responsiveness,' she said.
Upcoming SMIS milestones include completion of mapping modules, 100% digital attendance implementation from August 1 and phased rollout of automated features, including report cards and staff mapping. The department has issued guidelines for the responsible use of the channel, which is an official communication platform. Chandigarh is among the first UTs to adopt such a digitally inclusive, real-time communication framework, enabling schools to respond swiftly to dynamic needs, reduce paperwork, and focus on quality education. 'It will improve administrative efficiency but also empower schools to make informed, student-centric decisions,' said Brar.