GJM asks schools to conduct classes on weekends and public holidays

SNS, Darjeeling, 5 September 2013: Succumbing to pressure from several quarters, the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) has decided to exempt schools and colleges from the purview of the continuing shutdown in support of Gorkhaland. 

The party also has appealed to the management of educational institutions to conduct classes even during weekends and public holidays to make up for the time lost during the stir. 

However, the problems for the students remain as transportation would be out of bounds for them because of the dragging bandh and it would prove difficult for them to reach their schools and colleges in the absence of conveyance. 

GJMM has refused to exempt the transport sector from the ambit of the stir. 

The decision to reopen educational institutions on 13 September was taken during a meeting convened by the GJMM chief, Mr Bimal Gurung, at Paatleybaash on the outskirts of Darjeeling town. 

Aside from the party affiliate members, those representing the management of the educational institutions attended the meeting. 

After the meeting was over, Mr Bhisan Roka, the spokesperson of Janmukti Secondary Teachers’ Organisation (JSTO), a GJMM affiliate for secondary teachers, said there would be a breather for the schools and colleges 13 September onwards. 

“However, the relaxation applies only to them. Other sectors, including transportation, would not be exempted,” he added. 

“Though students are an important aspect of the agitation, we cannot undermine the importance of their regular studies. Our party president has appealed to them ~ both students and teachers ~ to walk to the institutions. As for the students living far away, they can avail of school buses. The same is true for students of boarding schools,” he said. 

Asked about those schools that do not have either boarding or bus facilities, Mr Roka said party affiliates would sort the problems out at the local level. 

“The party chief has also asked those heading the institutions to conduct classes during weekends and the public holidays. The students must prove their mettle ~ must prove that they are better than those from the rest of the state and that they can make up for what has been lost during the stir for statehood,” he said. 

However, the problem has been compounded for the educational institutions, particularly the renowned ones, as the Central Reserve Paramilitary Forces (CRPF), now deployed in the Hills, have taken over their premises. 

Even during the breather of the shutdowns, these schools remained non-functional while others opened and classes were held. 

One of the teachers of such a reputed school said it is impossible to take classes with the gun-wielding security personnel roaming around.