Bimal Gurung seeks quota for poor schoolkids

Kalimpong, Aug. 29.TT: Bimal Gurung today said big English-medium schools in the hills must reserve 10 seats for children from economically weaker sections.

Gurung, who was addressing Gorkha Janmukti Morcha workers on his first visit to Kalimpong after taking over as the GTA chief executive, said he has asked the two executive members in charge of education — Roshan Giri and R.B. Bhujel — to work out the modalities and talk to the schools.

“Big schools like St. Paul’s and North Point (St. Joseph’s School) in Darjeeling and similar schools in Kalimpong and other parts of the hills must reserve at least 10 seats for deserving children from poor families,” he said.

The Morcha president said poor children must have access to quality education to ensure a better future.

School principals in the hills have declined comment. One of them, who did not want to be named, said the school would study the quota proposal when it is brought before it.

“I run a school called Kanchenjungha Public School in Darjeeling where I provide free education to many poor children. The children are being given very good education and are being brought up in a good environment. I want them to be educated in such a manner that when they go outside for higher studies, they face other students with confidence and on equal terms,” Gurung said. None of the school heads The Telegraph spoke to wanted to comment on Gurung’s quota plan.

“The proposal is yet to come to us. We will have to study the demand as and when it is brought to us before making any comment,” said a school principal on condition of anonymity.

Gurung, during his speech, repeatedly assured the students that he would work towards bettering their lot. He also announced that a bus will be provided between Darjeeling and Cluny Women’s College at 8 Mile here using cash from the MP local area development funds.

The Morcha president, who arrived here from Kurseong after paying his respects to Father Abraham, who passed away yesterday, paid rich tribute the educationist and philanthropist, hailing him as the Father of Gorkhas.