Kelzang Wangchuk | Samdrupjongkhar

Students of three sections in Samdrupjongkhar primary school study in the multipurpose hall (MPH), special education needs (SEN) classroom and library due to classroom shortage. 

The construction of their temporary classrooms is expected to be completed by June end. 

Students said the MPH echoes and the library and SEN rooms are congested. “It is extremely hot here,” a student said.

The principal, Karma Tshering, said, “The students in the school increased this year due to the closing of the private school and increasing population,” he said. The school has 728 students in 25 sections. 

He said the school also needs a separate science lab. 

Karma Tshering said that the school proposed an integrated building for the administration with the classrooms in 2019. “It was approved but dropped as it requires a huge budget.” 

“It would help if the concerned authorities such as the thromde and education ministry could construct the classrooms as the students would increase in the coming years,” the principal said. 

The thromde education officer (TEO), Dechen Lhendup, said that the thromde is constructing the three classrooms despite the lack of budget considering the need. 

He said since Samdrupjongkhar PS is identified for SEN programme, he would propose to the education ministry for an integrated classroom under inclusive education. “It’s expected to address these issues and the school would also get more teachers.”