Schools in shut tea gardens to get mentors

TT, Alipurduar: The Alipurduar district administration has decided to introduce a new mechanism to keep watch on primary schools in closed and sick tea gardens.

Named as "Aloron," the project will be implemented at 73 schools in 20 sick and closed gardens. Most of the 73 institutions are primary schools.

"We have received a number of complaints regarding the functioning of the schools. The parents have complained about irregular attendance of teachers and poor quality of midday meals. So, officials of different ranks will be engaged as mentors - one for each school - who would keep a regular watch on the institutions. They will report to deputy magistrates, who in turn, will report to us," said Nikhil Nirmal, the Alipurduar district magistrate.

Of the tea gardens chosen for the project, six are closed, while the remaining 14 are sick.

The district magistrate said each mentor would have to visit the school at least twice a month to check the attendance of teachers and students and quality of midday meals.

"They will collect details of students' attendance once in two months. In case a student remains absent, the mentor will visit his home to know the reason. Also, he will convene a parent-teacher meeting once a month," said the DM.