Date: 17 November 2025
Report on the Visit of Ms. Chandana Mandal, Additional Commissioner (Academics), KVS- Understanding the Implementation of the Special Numeracy Programme in Sikkim
Ms. Chandana Mandal, Additional Commissioner (Academics), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), visited Sikkim to gain an in-depth understanding of the implementation of the Special Numeracy Programme in the state, with the objective of exploring its potential for adoption across all Kendriya Vidyalaya schools in the country. She was accompanied by the Assistant Commissioner, KVS Regional Office Kolkata, and Dr. Abdunnasar U. K., Principal, DIET Kozhikode, Kerala.
During the visit, the delegation observed Foundational Numeracy classes in Grades 2 and 3 at Government Modern Senior Secondary School and Deorali Girls’ Senior Secondary School. They interacted with the respective Principals, Ms. Mala Dorjee Bhutia and Ms. Anita Kaphley, to understand the school-level implementation strategies, support systems, and outcomes observed so far.
The team also engaged with select State Resource Group (SRG) members — Mr. Gay Tshering Bhutia (GT, Namchi New Secondary School), Ms. Sonam Choden Bhutia (PRT, Govt. Penlong School), Ms. Neelam Gurung (PRT, Govt. Rangpo Mining SSS), and Mr. Uma Nath Sharma (PRT, Govt. Pakyong JHS). They shared insights from their journeys as SRGs, the professional learning experiences, and the positive changes noticed in classroom practices and student learning.
A discussion was held with Dr. Rabin Chhetri, Director, SCERT Sikkim, who briefed the delegation on the structured approach, capacity-building initiatives, and academic mentoring support that have contributed to the programme’s success across the state.
In the evening, the visiting team met the Chief Secretary of Sikkim, Shri Ravindra Telang, who had initiated and steered the programme during his tenure as Additional Chief Secretary, Education Department. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Sandeep Tambe, Principal Secretary, Education Department, Shri E. K. Shaji, Founder & Director, Jodo Gyan, Ms. Jazcinth Prudence, Resource Person, Jodo Gyan, Mr. Bikash Kumar Murmu, Principal, KVS Gangtok, and Mr. Rajiv Philip, Deputy Director, SCERT.
The visit served as an important learning opportunity, showcasing Sikkim’s strong model for strengthening foundational numeracy through innovative pedagogical practices, continuous mentoring, and collaborative implementation. The delegation expressed appreciation for the state’s efforts and noted the relevance of key learnings for scaling the model across Kendriya Vidyalaya schools nationwide.
