21/11/2024
BJP Sikkim Chief Criticizes Govt's Proposal to Close 97 Schools, Terms it a "Shortsighted Solution"
Amid ongoing debate on Sikkim Government's proposal to close and merge 97 government schools across the state, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sikkim Unit Chief, DR Thapa, on Tuesday has criticised the proposal terming it a "shortsighted solution".
BJP Sikkim Unit Chief while addressing a party gathering at Singtam said that the decision was "alarming" and called for a "thorough examination" of the underlying issues for the declining enrollment in these schools.
Addressing the gathering, Thapa said, that shutting down of schools was not the "solution" and suggested the government to focus on "providing quality education" to the 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.
"The government should invest in teacher training and capacity building, upgrade infrastructure, technology, and resources, and introduce innovative curricula and extra-curricular activities", said Thapa, while urging to ensure “accountability and transparency in school management and engaging with parents, and the community", for building trust.
"Closing schools is a shortsighted solution", "we must work together to revitalize our education system, identifying and addressing the root causes of it's decline", he added.
The state government had earlier announced to close and merge 97 of it's schools across the state if the enrollment of students did not improve from the upcoming session next year.