The education minister, Norbu Wangchuk, during the question hour session at the National Assembly, today, clarified that central schools have adequate facilities to cater to over 50,000 students studying in 60 central schools across the country.
The minister was responding to Panbang MP Dorji Wangdi, who alleged that the central school system was introduced by the government without clear policy and plan.
“These days if we look at news and other media, it’s all about the problems related to the central schools. What we see in the television is just a tip of an iceberg. Students don’t have enough classrooms. Some students are even sleeping on the cement floor. Students are also living without other facilities like proper dining hall, and drinking water.”
The education minister said he was shocked by the accusations and that it is not true.
“It’s quite concerning to listen to distorted information about the central schools. Among the 60, I have been to 50 central schools. I have looked at the facilities available in these central schools. There are some problems but in general the central schools are doing well. Dzongda’s are directed by the Prime Minister to visit central schools at least twice a month.”
Responding to Panbang MP’s statement of “three eggs a week to each student” program failing in the central schools, the minister said, “the principals and education officials are working hard to provide three eggs a week to the students. We have started in some schools and other schools will follow as per the plan. It’s not just three eggs in a week, we have stared supplying nutritious fortified rice among the central schools.”
The minister added that central schools were introduced to improve the quality of education and for the sustainability of the school system.
The minister also informed that plans have already been rolled out to reduce workload on the teachers.
