By TC News Desk
Agartala, 30th April 2025: Nearly a month after raising concerns, the Bangali Chhatra Samaj has criticized the state government for its inaction in addressing issues faced by Vidyajyoti schools. The Samaj has expressed anger stating that despite submitting a deputation to the Director of School Education on April 7, no steps have been taken to resolve the problems. The situation worsened with a sabotage fire at Kumarghat Nivedita English Medium Vidyajyoti School adding to the tensions.
Highlighting the root causes, a leader of the Bangali Chhatra Samaj remarked, “In the last five years, only 4,656 teachers have been appointed in the state—far fewer than what is needed. This shortage has led to infrastructure challenges and a severe lack of subject teachers in many schools.”
The Samaj also emphasized the linguistic struggles faced by students. “The medium of instruction in Vidyajyoti schools is English and Hindi, creating difficulties for students transitioning from Bengali medium,” they noted. These challenges, according to the society, have negatively impacted school and board exam results, prompting students to abandon Vidyajyoti schools for neighboring Bengali-medium schools. “Some students are at risk of losing their academic year due to the mounting pressure,” they added.
In response to the crisis, the Bangali Chhatra Samaj outlined a comprehensive list of demands to the state government. Key demands include the appointment of subject teachers in English, Bengali, Mathematics, and Science; as well as computer and sports instructors. They also called for Bengali to be introduced as the medium of instruction in Vidya Jyoti schools while opposing the imposition of Hindi as a compulsory language.
Additionally, the society has insisted on the cessation of fees that burden economically disadvantaged students and has urged the state government to ensure essential facilities in schools, such as boundaries, modern scientific laboratories, clean washrooms, safe drinking water systems, and sufficient electric fans in classrooms.
Amra Bangali leader Sanjit Pal voiced frustration over the government’s lack of response, stating, “If the demands are not fulfilled, we will organize deputations and protest movements targeting education officers across all eight districts.”
The Bangali Chhatra Samaj and allied organizations hope their ongoing efforts will prompt the state government to take decisive action to improve conditions in Vidyajyoti schools.
