BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 15th January 2025: On the last day of the winter session of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, Congress MLAs Gopal Chandra Roy and Sudip Roy Barman voiced serious concerns about the state of 125 ‘Vidyajyoti’ schools in Tripura. Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, who also serves as the Education Minister, responded with an elaborate explanation of the measures taken to improve these CBSE-affiliated schools.
In a supplementary question, MLA Roy sought clarification from CM Dr. Saha on several issues. “There are no teachers for newly introduced subjects like Music, Art, and Yoga. Additionally, students of Boys Bodhjung School in Agartala have to take their mid-day meals sitting in the corridors. Furthermore, Rs 1,000 per student is being charged from nursery to class XII. Guardians and parents are disappointed with the results of ‘Vidyajyoti’ schools and are admitting their children to general government schools. These schools are running with an inadequate number of teachers, raising questions about the capability of both old and new teachers. Will it be suitable for overall studying?” Roy questioned.
In response, CM Dr. Saha stated, “There is a certain guideline for these 125 ‘Vidyajyoti’ schools in Tripura. There are subject teachers for Economics, Geography, Psychology, and Sociology. The government has issued a notification through TRBT for the appointment of 200 Special Educators, but only 88 were appointed as no more applied. Subject teachers for Physical Education and Librarians for 125 schools were filled, and 118 Computer Education teachers were also appointed.”
In another supplementary question, MLA Roy Barman asked, “Will the Education Minister inform the house about the question papers and books? Why was such a decision initiated suddenly? The students are studying in Bengali and had to appear for examinations in English. Later, these students were passed through grace marks. Will the government plan to review ‘Vidyajyoti’ schools?”
CM Dr. Saha highlighted the benefits of ‘Vidyajyoti’ schools, stating, “In the last examination, 85 percent of students passed in class X and 75 percent of students passed in class XII. Gradually, these schools are shifting their students from Bengali medium to English medium. Forty-one training camps have been held in the state by CBSE experts. CBSE’s Centre of Excellence has been opened by resource persons from Kendriya Vidyalaya and Ramkrishna Mission schools. Review meetings are conducted by DEOs from time to time. Principals hold virtual conferences. A District Coordinator has been appointed. Sample question papers for class X and XII Board exams are provided to students. Thirty-two ‘Vidyajyoti’ schools have learning hubs. Teacher Learning Materials and Human Resources are also provided. Classroom grooming is ongoing for class X from December 23, 2024, to January 31, and for class XII from December 23 to January 15 across the state.”
