The Opposition Leader, Dr. Pema Gyamtsho broached the issue of central schools during his recent visit in Samtse as well.
The Opposition Leader (OL) told the people of Samtse that the government’s policy of reforming schools into central schools has many disadvantages such as creating inequity among the communities. Explaining further, OL highlighted that some of the criteria for central schools like not considering enrolment for those pupils living within the five-kilometre radius from central schools were unfair.
The Opposition Leader added that keeping young children in central schools will only distance them from parents, thereby not getting parental love and support.
“So when children grow up, they will not think of looking after their parents. They will say their educational expenses were borne by the government and will never imbibe the sense of love and care for their parents.”
Mentioning the other downside of central schools, Dr. Pema Gyamtsho said, the system would give rise to rural-urban migration. He also said, with most primary schools being closed, community vitality is diminishing. Otherwise, primary and community schools served as the main platform for communities to interact.
Apart from that, the Opposition Leader is apprehensive that due to closure of many primary schools, students as young as six years are being enrolled in central schools. “It will be difficult for these young children to take care of themselves,” he added.
Some people present at the meeting suggested that instead of providing free school uniform, the government must invest in some other important facilities for students. “I feel it is wrong to invest in school uniform. The budget must be spent in building quality sports infrastructure in schools. Such initiatives will help students to gain required skills,” said one of the residents in Samtse, Ugyen Kaka.
Since the framing of central schools policy in the country, government and opposition party have been at loggerheads over it. While government claims the policy will ensure quality of education and benefit students in rural areas, the opposition feels just the opposite.
