On November 19, 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Sikkim held a crucial meeting at the State Party Office in Singtam. Chaired by State President Dr. Thapa, the gathering was attended by key party members including Vice President Dinesh Chandra Nepal, PS Limboo, and State General Secretary Arjun Rai. The discussions focused on the party’s grassroots presence and the pressing issues in the state’s education system.
Concerns Over Closure of 97 Schools
A central point of discussion was the Sikkim government’s proposal to close 97 schools. Dr. Thapa strongly criticized the move, calling it indicative of a weak educational framework. He stated, “The closure of 97 schools highlights the flaws in our education system. Shutting down institutions is not the solution. The government should focus on delivering quality education to our children. In today’s world, it’s unacceptable for children to miss out on basic education while other states strive for world-class standards.”
Shift from Government to Private Schools
Dr. Thapa also pointed out the growing trend of students shifting from government schools to private institutions. He urged the government to investigate the underlying reasons for this shift, citing poor infrastructure, outdated curricula, and substandard teaching practices. He emphasized the need for strategic investments in teacher training, school infrastructure, and the integration of modern educational practices to make government schools more attractive to parents.
Improving Public Education and Community Engagement
Dr. Thapa stressed the importance of a holistic approach to address the crisis in the education sector. He called for community engagement and collaboration with parents and teachers to rebuild trust in the public education system. “Closing schools is a short-sighted solution,” he warned. “We must collectively work towards improving the education system by identifying and addressing the root causes.”
Support for Ayushman Bharat Scheme
In addition to education, Dr. Thapa touched upon the Ayushman Bharat scheme, a government initiative that provides free healthcare up to ₹5 lakhs for senior citizens. He urged party workers to ensure that the scheme’s benefits reach elderly citizens across the state, highlighting the BJP’s commitment to social welfare.
Sangathan Parv: Strengthening the BJP at the Grassroots
During the meeting, State General Secretary Arjun Rai provided insights into the “Sangathan Parv” campaign. This initiative is aimed at strengthening the BJP’s organizational presence at the grassroots level. As part of the campaign, hundreds of BJP members across Sikkim submitted their membership forms, helping to expand the party’s influence throughout the state.
