With the increasing number of new admissions at Khasadrapchu Middle Secondary School in Thimphu, the Maedwang Gup and the school authority are requesting the upgradation of the school and provision of lunch for students. They said many students come from far-flung areas and often attend classes without having proper meals. The issue was raised during the recent Thimphu Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
Maedwang Gup Tandin said over 350 students have to travel more than 30 minutes to reach their school.
Maedwang Gup said “Most students live far from the school. Some of them have to travel around three to four hours to school. If the government could consider providing lunch for students, it would be very helpful and convenient for our students. The district official said that funding has been allocated in the 13th Five Year Plan and that the lunch is likely to be approved.”
In addition, the gup also said with increasing admissions from nearby feeder schools including Bjimina, Sisina, and Tshaluna, there is a need to upgrade the school.
Currently, it is a middle secondary school with nearly 900 students.
While the education and skills development ministry has explored expanding the current site, officials said the school’s proximity to the Wangchhu and the challenging terrain pose risks.
However, officials are exploring the possibility of upgrading a nearby school instead.
Lham Tshering, Principal District Education Officer said “Another measure is, if Bjimina Primary School in the same gewog is upgraded, around 180 students who travel daily to Khasadrapchu Middle Secondary School would not come here. That will make things convenient. The district and the ministry are discussing it.”
The Dzongkhag Tshogdu has decided to submit the proposals concerning lunch provision and school upgradation to the Ministry of Education and Skills Development.
Jamyang Loday
Edited by Tshering Zam
