Every year, urban areas like Phuentshogling struggles to accommodate the growing number of children seeking admission to its primary schools. This year is no different. With pre-primary applications far exceeding available seats, the Phuentshogling Thromde is planning to introduce shift classes to accommodate more students.
The school admission issue in Phuentshogling Thromde remains persistent, driven by a rising population and limited educational infrastructure.
While an overwhelming number of parents continue to seek admission for their children, there are only two primary schools, Sonamgang Primary School and Phuentshogling Primary School. According to thromde, these two schools can accommodate little more than 150 students in total.
This year alone, nearly 500 online applications were received for pre-primary admissions, far exceeding the intake capacity.
Phuentshogling Thrompon Uttar Kumar Rai said, “There are only two primary schools in Phuentshogling, and with the growing population, the admission pressure is immense. This year, we received a huge number of applicants. Our intake capacity is about 156 students. Most people here come from humble backgrounds, and enrolling children in private schools is not easy. Therefore, we are considering a shift system,”
According to the thrompon, introducing shift classes would allow the thromde to accommodate over 300 students.
Phuentshogling Thromde has already written to the Ministry of Education and Skills Development seeking approval and is currently awaiting a response.
Meanwhile, the thrompon said that a long-term solution is urgently needed, emphasising the development of additional school infrastructure to address the recurring admission crisis.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
