Central Forces Deployment Disrupts Academic Schedules in Kolkata
In Kolkata, the deployment of central forces across educational institutions, including schools and colleges, has led to significant disruptions in academic activities. Many institutions have been compelled to either transition to online classes or implement alternate-day schedules to accommodate the security personnel. This move comes as part of election-related security measures, impacting students and educators alike.
Schools Forced to Adapt Amidst Occupation
A portion of St Peter's School in central Kolkata has been occupied by central forces for an indefinite period. In response, the school authorities have decided to conduct classes on alternate days. A parent of a class 10 student expressed deep concern, stating, "The school is almost occupied by the central forces, so we received a revised class routine for 3 days a week. I am very worried for my son, as he will appear for Madhyamik next year. For the last few months, they were suffering due to the SIR process, and now the poll dates are approaching. So, for over a month, they will face this disruption."
St Paul's Higher Secondary School has also received intimation from the local police station, with preparations underway. Headmaster Nipanjan Mandal explained, "Their stay and classes cannot continue simultaneously, so in that case we may shift to online classes or hold classes on alternate days because we have the first summative in April. There are many students for whom online classes are a luxury, so they will face trouble if we completely shift to the online mode to continue regular classes. Moreover, parents expressed concern for their kids, but there is nothing we can do."
Taki Govt Sponsored Multipurpose School has been informed that central forces will arrive after March 15. School headmistress Swagata Basak revealed that they have decided to shift classes to their second campus near Sealdah and hold classes on alternate days to mitigate the impact.
Colleges Grapple with Similar Challenges
Forces have also begun entering colleges, with major portions of buildings such as Charuchandra College and Maulana Azad College being occupied. Charuchandra College has decided to suspend in-person classes and shift entirely to online mode, as all classrooms have been taken over. Maulana Azad College has allocated the ground floor for the stay of central forces while continuing to conduct classes on the other floors.
Jaipuria College was also notified that central forces will arrive shortly. Madhuchanda Lahiri, the college principal, stated, "We are waiting to receive instructions from the university regarding this matter and will follow them accordingly." Other colleges have received similar letters from local police stations, prompting widespread adjustments.
University Efforts to Maintain Exam Schedules
Calcutta University Vice-Chancellor Asutosh Ghosh acknowledged the difficulties, saying, "It's becoming very difficult but we are determined to hold the exams as per the schedule. We will definitely find a way out." University officials have started visiting colleges that have received requisitions to accommodate central forces. An official noted, "The university has already held communications with the Election Commission and the police administration to conduct exams smoothly as per schedule. We are hopeful that there will not be any disruption."
The situation highlights the balancing act between election security and educational continuity, with institutions scrambling to adapt while ensuring students' academic progress is not severely hampered.
