Shimla: Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu interacted with students at Nerwa School in Shimla district, where children candidly raised several issues related to education, infrastructure and public facilities.
During the interaction, Class 10 student Vihaan Chauhan asked why there is no examination to become an MLA when every other profession, including the Army, requires competitive exams. He said there should also be an examination process in democracy for becoming an MLA.
Smiling at the question, the Chief Minister replied that the “MLA exam” is actually the toughest one. He said students may top Class 10 or graduation exams through studies, but to become an MLA, one has to pass the test of the people.
He added that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru gave voting rights to the people, and elected representatives have to return to the public every five years. “The public decides whether they pass or fail,” he said. The student further remarked that political parties should conduct exams before giving tickets to candidates.
Students Raise Mid-Day Meal Issue
Class 10 student Aakriti Chauhan questioned why the mid-day meal scheme is limited only up to Class 8 and not extended to students studying till Class 12.
Calling it an important suggestion, the Chief Minister said the state government would consider the proposal. He said discussions could be held and the scheme might be implemented in a phased manner. Aakriti also raised concerns regarding the bus timetable.
“School Toilets Are Very Dirty”
A Class 3 student, Riyansh, complained that the school toilets were extremely dirty and often had no water supply. A Class 4 girl student also raised similar complaints regarding unhygienic toilets and lack of water.
The Chief Minister assured the students that better toilets would be constructed and proper water arrangements would be ensured. He also appealed to students to help keep the toilets clean.
Concern Over Low Merit Representation
Class 10 student Vaibhav Chauhan asked why only four students from Shimla district made it to the Class 10 board examination merit list this year.
Responding to the query, the Chief Minister said there may have been certain shortcomings and the government would identify the reasons and work to remove the deficiencies.
Demand for International Languages
Class 12 student Ayati Sood asked why international languages such as French, German and Japanese are not taught in schools. She demanded that such languages should be introduced in the education system.
The Chief Minister said the government is considering introducing these languages at the senior secondary level.
Students Highlight Infrastructure Problems
Class 12 student Anamisha complained that her first class is held in the primary school building while the remaining classes take place in the senior secondary school. She also said the benches provided to students are uncomfortable.
The Chief Minister said he had come to Nerwa School specifically to understand the shortcomings of the institution and interact directly with students. He assured them that the government was committed to resolving their problems.
During the interaction, several students also raised issues related to drinking water, toilets and traffic congestion. One girl student said students struggle with traffic while moving between buildings during lunch breaks.
Another student demanded that school uniforms should be provided free of cost. The Chief Minister responded by saying that quality education should be the priority.
Replying to another student’s question, the Chief Minister announced that the Deha road would be widened into a double-lane road. He also said a protective wall would be constructed for the safety of the school.
