Shutting down schools is not the solution: State BJP

“Govt must probe why students are abandoning Govt schools for private institutions”

GANGTOK,: State BJP president DR Thapa has said the government’s proposal to close down 97 schools was due to a poor education system and a “short-sighted solution”. He was addressing a State BJP meeting at the party’s head-office in Singtam on Tuesday, a party release informs.

Recently, the State government had announced to close down 97 government schools due to low enrolment of students.

In his address, the State BJP president said that it is alarming that 97 schools have been closed due to the poor education system. “However, shutting down schools is not the solution. Instead, the government should focus on providing quality education to our children. We are in the 21st century, and it is unacceptable that our kids lack access to basic good education, while other States strive for world-class schools,” he said.

Thapa maintained that the government must investigate why students are abandoning government schools for private institutions. “This trend warrants a thorough examination of the underlying issues, including the primary reasons for declining enrolment, ways to improve infrastructure, curriculum, and teaching standards, and initiatives to make government schools more attractive and competitive,” he said.

Thapa added that the State government should invest in teacher training and capacity building, upgrade infrastructure, technology, and resources, and introduce innovative curricula and extra-curricular activities. Ensuring accountability and transparency in school management and engaging with parents, teachers, and the community to rebuild trust are also crucial steps, he said.

“Closing schools is a short-sighted solution. We must work together to revitalize our education system, identifying and addressing the root causes of its decline. By doing so, we can give our children the quality education they deserve, preparing them for success in an increasingly competitive world,” the State BJP president said.

Thapa also highlighted Ayushman Bharat free treatment scheme up to Rs. 5 lakh for senior citizens, recently launched by the Modi Government and urged the Karyakartas to ensure benefits to the elderly people across the State.

Earlier, State BJP general secretary Arjun Rai highlighted the process and procedures of Sangathan Parv enlightening the Karyakartas regarding organisational formation at the ground level.

During the active member campaign, hundreds of members across the State submitted their form, following the guidelines of the membership drive, the State BJP said.