Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently visited the historic boys and girls senior secondary schools in Dharamshala, leading to speculation about their possible merger. Once prestigious institutions, these schools have gradually declined, thanks to several factors, including the rise in the number of government and private schools in the vicinity and failure to keep up with changing times. Retired IAS officer and Kangra affairs expert KC Sharma highlights the historic significance of these schools, which date back to pre-independence India. They were founded on traditional Hindu values, advocating separate institutions for boys and girls, he says.
The Government Boys Multipurpose Senior Secondary School, established in 1926, is set to celebrate its centenary next year. It once had a much higher student strength and produced notable alumni in the civil and military services. Similarly, the girls’ school, now known as ‘PM Shri GGSSS’ from 2024, has an enrolment of 354 students. Established as a middle school in 1932, it became a high school in 1946 and a senior secondary school in 1988. Its principal Mamta Thakur expressed emotional concern over the potential merger, advocating for the school’s unique identity. Many former teachers and students believe that these institutions can regain their prominence if nearby schools are merged with them. They argue that both schools have the necessary infrastructure to once again become centres of excellence.
Kangra district still has many heritage institutions that serve separately for boys and girls in places like Nurpur, Gangth, Indora, Jwalaji, Rehan, Garli, Pragpur, Dehra, Jawalamukhi, Paprola, Palampur and Nagrota. These institutions symbolize the vision of past generations, meeting the conservative social norms of the time and ensuring a protective environment for girls’ education. As discussions continue, opinions remain divided. While some advocate modernization and mergers for better resource utilization, others emphasize the importance of maintaining their independent identities. The final decision will shape the future of these institutions and affect education in Dharamshala for years to come.
