The heads of all ICSE and ISC schools in the Darjeeling hills have decided to write to the central government urging its intervention to bring to end the current impasse that is taking its toll on the education system following the month-long statehood agitation.
Principals of 35 English medium schools, including Anglo-Indian institutions, today huddled for an emergency meeting in Darjeeling to take stock of the situation.
“Principals of all the ICSE and ISC schools met today to discuss the present crises. We feel it is because of the unsympathetic attitude of the state and central governments towards the aspiration of the people that the statehood agitation is continuing and unduly affecting the education institutions in the hills,” said Shanty Mathew, principal of St. Joseph’s School.
The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha gave the clarion call for a renewed statehood agitation after the central government approved of the formation of a separate Telangana state. As part of the agitation, GJM president Bimal Gurung had asked all schools in the hills to send their boarding students home during the start of this month.
Darjeeling is renowned for its educational institutions that boast of students not only from within the country, but also from abroad. It has reputed residential schools that were established in the British Raj era.
“Heads of all Anglo-Indian schools in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong attended the meeting and have decided to write to the prime minister and union home minister to intervene and stabilise the situation here on behalf of the 40,000-odd students, parents and staff members,” informed Mathew.
The residential schools had earlier made all possible arrangements to retain their students in school during the strike. However, with uncertainty looming large and calls for an indefinite strike, the school principals thought it best to send the students home.
During the two-day relief announced on August 1 and 2, all boarders were sent home given the apprehension expressed by parents.
The Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee is to hold a public meeting in Darjeeling on Sunday with the students and teachers union. A decision on whether to exempt educational institutions from the strike will be taken then, it has been informed.
“The GJAC meeting is important. In all likelihood, heads of all the ICSE and ISC schools will attend. We are not sure what will happen, but hope the agitators will leave the schools outside the purview of bandhs,” said one of the school heads not wanting to be named.
Meanwhile, it was rush hour today given the 24-hour relaxation announced to the ongoing strike, with people going about collecting food items and other essentials.
The GJAC has called its ‘ghar bhitra janta’ programme on September 2 and 3 and from the next day onwards, the present form of agitation comprising rallies and demonstrations will take precedence.
All government offices including that of the GTA, markets and business establishments, banks, post offices and schools and colleges will remain closed.(EOI)
Principals of 35 English medium schools, including Anglo-Indian institutions, today huddled for an emergency meeting in Darjeeling to take stock of the situation.
“Principals of all the ICSE and ISC schools met today to discuss the present crises. We feel it is because of the unsympathetic attitude of the state and central governments towards the aspiration of the people that the statehood agitation is continuing and unduly affecting the education institutions in the hills,” said Shanty Mathew, principal of St. Joseph’s School.
The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha gave the clarion call for a renewed statehood agitation after the central government approved of the formation of a separate Telangana state. As part of the agitation, GJM president Bimal Gurung had asked all schools in the hills to send their boarding students home during the start of this month.
Darjeeling is renowned for its educational institutions that boast of students not only from within the country, but also from abroad. It has reputed residential schools that were established in the British Raj era.
“Heads of all Anglo-Indian schools in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong attended the meeting and have decided to write to the prime minister and union home minister to intervene and stabilise the situation here on behalf of the 40,000-odd students, parents and staff members,” informed Mathew.
The residential schools had earlier made all possible arrangements to retain their students in school during the strike. However, with uncertainty looming large and calls for an indefinite strike, the school principals thought it best to send the students home.
During the two-day relief announced on August 1 and 2, all boarders were sent home given the apprehension expressed by parents.
The Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee is to hold a public meeting in Darjeeling on Sunday with the students and teachers union. A decision on whether to exempt educational institutions from the strike will be taken then, it has been informed.
“The GJAC meeting is important. In all likelihood, heads of all the ICSE and ISC schools will attend. We are not sure what will happen, but hope the agitators will leave the schools outside the purview of bandhs,” said one of the school heads not wanting to be named.
Meanwhile, it was rush hour today given the 24-hour relaxation announced to the ongoing strike, with people going about collecting food items and other essentials.
The GJAC has called its ‘ghar bhitra janta’ programme on September 2 and 3 and from the next day onwards, the present form of agitation comprising rallies and demonstrations will take precedence.
All government offices including that of the GTA, markets and business establishments, banks, post offices and schools and colleges will remain closed.(EOI)
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