Govt deliberately dismantling education system with misguided experiments: Jai Ram
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur today accused the state government of deliberately dismantling the education system through continuous and misguided experiments.
Thakur, while addressing mediapersons during a tour of Sirmaur, alleged that over 2,000 schools had been shut in the past two years, sparking widespread opposition from educators and stakeholders in the state.
He said that on the pretext of implementing the New Education Policy (NEP), the government raised the admission age for Class 1 students from five years to six years. Consequently, there had been a natural decline in the Class I enrollment, which the government used as justification to close hundreds of schools during mid-session. “This approach is extremely damaging for students and the future of education in the state,” he added.
Thakur alleged that while the government was busy finding reasons to shut schools and colleges, it was simultaneously opening more liquor shops in the state. “Such contradictory policies reveal the misplaced priorities of this government,” he added.
Thakur accused the government of suppressing dissent. “The administration threatens those who raise their voice with disciplinary actions like suspension, forced retirement and dismissal. Democracy cannot thrive under such authoritarian tactics,” he added. He urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to listen to the public and respect their democratic rights.
He said that the state and district-level sports tournaments had been excluded. “This is a clear indication that the government is withdrawing support from sports activities, which are essential for the holistic development of students,” he added. He noted that the prize money for last year’s tournaments had still not been disbursed.
Thakur criticised the government for stripping district cadre officers of their powers related to promotions and transfers of primary teachers. “Promotions are stalled, new appointments are on hold and over 5,000 Junior Basic Teacher (JBT) posts are vacant. The appointment of nursery teachers is also pending,” he added.
He questioned the government’s decision to close the Directorate of Elementary Education, which supervised 11 classes, calling it “incomprehensible and detrimental”.
Thakur said that the Congress government appeared determined to set a record of shutting public services. “While leaders across the world strive to be remembered for taking new initiatives and driving development, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu seemed intent on being remembered for rolling back progress,” he added.
Himachal Tribune