Students protest proposed merger of Palampur girls’ school with co-ed institution

There is widespread resentment among local residents over the Himachal government’s decision to merge the Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Palampur, with a co-educational school near Ghuggar. The girls school in Palampur was established in 1868 as St. Anne’s Girls High School.

The proposed merger has triggered strong reactions. Students of the school today staged a protest in Palampur to challenge the decision. Many parents and alumni argued that the institution’s long history, adequate student strength and consistent achievements did not warrant the action proposed by the Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu-led government.

Neelam Sood, head of NGO People’s Voice, said she had studied in the school like her mother before her in 1930. “The girls school is not merely an educational institution, it is a living symbol of Palampur’s history, heritage and legacy. The institution has played a pivotal role in shaping generations of women through quality education, discipline and empowerment. For over 158 years, the school has stood as a beacon of girls’ education in the region. From missionary management in the early 20th century to the government takeover in 1973, and subsequent up-gradation to senior secondary level, the institution has evolved while preserving its core values of academic excellence and safety,” she added.

The school has consistently maintained a strong academic record. This year, a Class XII student secured fourth position in the state board examinations, reaffirming the institution’s academic standards. The school currently has around 251 students in the senior wing, with a total strength of approximately 371 students, including the primary section.

Beyond academics, the institution has earned recognition in co-curricular activities. Since the introduction of yoga as a subject in 1997, students have gone on to represent the state in national-level competitions and have won accolades in events held in Delhi, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. The addition of music (instrumental) in 2017 further strengthened its cultural profile, with students achieving distinction at the state level. The school has also performed commendably in sports competitions over the years. Despite being located in a busy market area, the school has maintained an unblemished record in terms of safety and discipline. For decades, parents particularly from remote and economically weaker backgrounds have trusted the institution as a secure learning environment for their daughters.