Residents of Dorokha are unhappy with the education and skills development ministry’s decision to downgrade Dorokha Lower Secondary School to a primary school. They argue that the school should instead be upgraded.
A recent notification from the Samtse District Education sector has left Dorokha residents disappointed.
Starting from the academic year 2025, nearly 200 students in classes seven and eight will be relocated to Dorokha Central School, situated approximately six kilometres from their current school.
Man Bdr Biswa, a resident said “Many students come from distant places such as Namchu and Timburey. We do not have public transportation facilities. Traveling such long distances is already challenging, and accommodating all these students in hostels will also be an issue. We believe it is better to reconsider the decision and instead allow students to study here up to class ten.”
Kalpana Biswa, another resident said “It would be better to keep classes seven and eight here instead of merging them with the central school. In fact, upgrading the school to class ten would be beneficial.”
Yam Kumar Sherpa who is also a resident said “Allowing day scholars to continue studying here would be more convenient. Many children of local government, dungkhag staff, and police study here, and the school’s location is closer to their homes. The central school is a bit far from here.”
In a letter issued last month, the district education sector cited unused space at Dorokha Central School as the primary reason for the merger.
The letter directed Dorokha Lower Secondary School to support the transition by providing furniture and equipment for the new students at Dorokha Central School.
Moreover, the district education sector stated that the decision aims to manage resources effectively and enhance the quality of education while addressing teacher shortages in secondary schools.
They assured that Dorokha Central School has sufficient hostel and classroom facilities to accommodate the new students and that some students living nearby would continue as day scholars.
Regarding teacher allocation, the education sector has asked the two schools to assess and report their requirements, with the process still underway.
Meanwhile the Dophuchen gewog administration said that the plan to downgrade the school was initially dropped following public concerns during a consultation meeting with the district education sector and the local community.
However, the district education sector later reversed this decision, issuing a letter to proceed with the downgrade.
Since then, the Gewog office has received numerous requests from the public to reconsider the decision.
The Gewog has formally written to the district education sector and the education and skills development ministry, highlighting the community’s concerns.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
