Kolkata Schools Urge Police to Postpone Central Forces Deployment for Academic Activities
In Kolkata, a growing concern has emerged as central forces begin early occupation of school campuses in preparation for the upcoming assembly polls in West Bengal. Several educational institutions have formally appealed to local police stations to delay the entry of personnel, aiming to complete classes and conduct first summative examinations without significant disruption. This situation highlights the tension between electoral security measures and academic schedules in the city.
Academic Schedules Under Pressure as Forces Prepare for Polling
School authorities report that preparations for accommodating Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel have already commenced in many institutions. Classrooms are being cleared, benches removed, and parts of campuses taken over, even though polling in Kolkata is scheduled for April 29. According to the Election Commission, between 2,000 and 2,500 companies of central forces will be deployed in each of the two phases of polling in Bengal this year, necessitating early arrangements that are now impacting school operations.
Specific School Cases Highlight Widespread Disruption
At Jodhpur Park Boys' School, headmaster Amit Sen Majumder expressed difficulties in completing the academic schedule, as several classrooms have become unusable due to preparations for the forces' stay. With only eight class days remaining before examinations, the school plans to conduct first summative exams for classes 6 to 10 in two shifts to finish by April 10. The school has requested local police to ensure forces arrive only after examinations conclude.
Taki House Govt Sponsored Boys' School has also sought a postponement. Headmistress Swagata Basak noted that the school was informed central forces would enter the campus by March 15, though they have not yet arrived. Following board instructions, examinations must be completed by April 15, with the school planning to start exams on April 1. If deployment is not delayed, the school may have to shift examinations to its second campus to accommodate the forces.
Severe Impacts Leading to Online Classes and Campus Occupancy
The situation is more severe at Dr Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Institution in Beleghata, where physical classes have been suspended and shifted online. Headmistress Sulagna Munsi reported that the entire school has been taken over for preparatory arrangements, with benches removed from classrooms and dumped outside. "With no clarity on when the forces will actually arrive, we have informed the district inspector's office and the secondary board, seeking a solution to conduct the exams," she added. The institution has more than 1,300 students at the secondary level, amplifying the academic disruption.
At St Peter's School, a major portion of the campus is already occupied by central forces, forcing the management to hold classes on alternate days. St Paul's School is also preparing for possible disruption. Headmaster Nipanjan Mandal stated that classes are continuing for now, but arrangements for accommodation are underway. "We have decided to complete the exams within four days, between April 7 and 10, under any circumstances," he emphasized, showcasing the urgency to mitigate academic losses.
Broader Concerns Over Early Takeover of Educational Institutions
The early takeover of educational institutions has raised significant concern among school authorities, who argue that academic activities are being affected weeks before polling begins in the city. This disruption not only impacts examination schedules but also the overall learning environment for thousands of students. As schools navigate these challenges, the balance between ensuring electoral security and maintaining educational continuity remains a critical issue in Kolkata's pre-poll landscape.
