Agartala, August 28: Students of Ramtakur Pathshala Boys’ Higher Secondary School staged a road blockade on the Pratapgarh Main Road on Friday, protesting a series of problems at their school, including repeated thefts, lack of electricity and drinking water, shortage of teachers, and concerns over the Mid-Day Meal service.
According to the students, the school has been facing electricity and drinking water problems for around 10–15 days. They alleged that the lack of water and electricity has severely affected regular classes, particularly amid the ongoing heat. Students claimed that some of their classmates have fallen ill and experienced dizziness and dehydration due to the lack of drinking water.
The students also alleged that the school has witnessed repeated thefts since August 15. Electrical wires, CCTV cameras, fans and other electrical equipment have reportedly been stolen from the premises on multiple occasions.
The students further claimed that despite informing the police and submitting written complaints, no effective action has been taken so far. They alleged that police personnel have also not regularly visited the school to assess the situation.
Speaking to the media, a student said that the repeated thefts had disrupted the school’s electricity supply and that the thieves returned even after repairs were carried out. The students demanded immediate action to resolve all the problems.
Teacher shortage has also emerged as a major concern. The students said that teachers for subjects including Bengali, Biology and Mathematics are unavailable, affecting their studies ahead of upcoming board examinations.
The school’s Headmistress, Basuri Das, confirmed that there is a shortage of teachers. She said that four PGT teachers were recently redeployed, including two Bengali and two English teachers. She also stated that the school has been without a Bioscience teacher for Classes IX and X for nearly two years.
According to the Headmistress, however, classes are normally conducted for all seven periods and students are not routinely dismissed after the fourth period. She said that students are sent home early only when necessary, particularly if someone falls ill.
The Headmistress also denied the allegation that the Mid-Day Meal had been stopped. She said the meal is being provided every day despite the water shortage, with the school arranging water from a neighbouring house and purchasing drums to ensure the service continues.
At the same time, she acknowledged the serious electricity and drinking water problems faced by the school.
Regarding the repeated thefts, Basuri Das said that thefts had been taking place almost every day since August 15, including during holidays. She alleged that the school often finds electrical wires cut again even after repairs are completed. CCTV connectivity has also been affected.
She said the school has been making daily General Diary (GD) entries and has informed the district authorities, the Director, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), nearby residents and local clubs about the situation. According to her, efforts have been made from every possible side to prevent further thefts, but the culprits have not yet been identified.
The Headmistress also confirmed that she had personally approached the police repeatedly. She said that although complaints had been submitted earlier, police personnel visited the school only after Friday’s protest.
Following the road blockade, police reached the spot and spoke with the protesting students. The students and guardians were subsequently taken to the school premises, where discussions were held involving parents, police representatives and members of the school management.
The protest has brought renewed focus on the school’s security, basic infrastructure and teacher shortage. Students and guardians have demanded immediate and effective measures to restore a safe and functional learning environment at Ramtakur Pathshala Boys’ Higher Secondary School.
