Decision to merge schools flayed

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 22

Various teachers’ unions in the city have expressed their displeasure over the decision of the state government to shut down 800 primary government schools.

Accusing the government of taking away the jobs of a number of people associated with mid-day meals in such schools, the Mid-day Meal Office and Cook Union, Punjab, said they would be jobless after the closure of schools.

Praveen Sharma Jogipur, district president of the union, said,” Instead of providing jobs, the state government is snatching it away. In the long run, the children shall also suffer.”

Members of the union are planning to raise their voice against the authorities concerned.

Meanwhile, members of the Democratic Teachers’ Front held a meeting over the issue. They termed the move as unfortunate, impacting the future of children studying in the primary schools. The members have asked that instead of shutting it down, the government should focus on improving the facilities at such schools. German Jit Singh, a member of the front, said, “The government must do something to improve the quality of education rather than closing the schools. This will impact the teachers in the long run. The number of primary schools has to be increased.”

Notably, the Congress-led state government has decided to shut down about 800 primary schools having less than 20 students. These will be merged with schools located within one kilometre radius.