Assam: Protests erupt over mismanagement at Jaruarchar high school during Gunotsav

An unprecedented protest erupted at Jaruarchar Public High School in Dhubri district on Friday as over 1,200 students demonstrated against the mismanagement of the Gunotsav examination. 

The students called for immediate intervention from Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, demanding action against the headmaster, Ayub Ali, for his alleged negligence and irregularities.

The protest was sparked by inadequate seating arrangements, which forced six students to share a single bench during the examination. 

The situation worsened when the headmaster was found absent on this critical day. The Gunotsav examination, scheduled to start at 9:00 AM, was delayed by over an hour, starting only at 10:20 AM, adding to the students' frustration.

Long-standing allegations against the headmaster's irregular attendance and mismanagement were further confirmed by an inquiry conducted by Elementary Education Officer Debasish Singha, along with Block Resource Persons (BRPs) and Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCC). 

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The inquiry revealed significant lapses, including a demolished section of the school building to facilitate construction work without proper approval from the School Management and Development Committee (SMDC). Despite the headmaster's claims, the required resolution to justify the demolition was unavailable for verification.

The school’s infrastructure is reportedly in shambles, with classrooms lacking electricity and ceiling fans, leaving students to endure extreme heat. While the headmaster attributed the lack of electrification to theft and damage of equipment, no efforts have been made to address the issue. Additionally, the washrooms are unhygienic, and drinking water facilities remain inadequate, posing serious health risks to students.

Disciplinary issues have also plagued the school. The headmaster’s irregular attendance has been flagged through the SIKHA SETU app, and morning prayers have been discontinued during the summer. 
Allegations have also surfaced regarding inappropriate use of the school’s digital boards, though the headmaster has denied these claims. Further violations include the suspension of Mid-Day Meal services on examination days, depriving students of essential nutrition.

The protest at the school was temporarily pacified when Maher Ali, the president of the School Management Committee (SMC), assured students that strict action would be taken against the headmaster. 

However, the incident has caused a stir in the local community, with parents and residents demanding immediate government intervention.

Reports indicate that the headmaster has been operating unilaterally, bypassing the SMDC and failing to conduct regular meetings, leading to widespread grievances. 

Concerned parents and guardians are now calling for urgent measures to restore order and credibility at the school.

The unfolding situation at Jaruarchar Public High School has highlighted systemic failures in governance and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for immediate corrective action. 

Parents and locals have expressed hope that the Chief Minister will intervene to address the situation and ensure accountability, paving the way for improved educational standards.