GEYZING: Educated citizens, students and youth on Saturday organised a solidarity rally in Geyzing in support of educationist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, demanding greater transparency, accountability and reforms in the country’s education system.
The rally commenced from 10th Mile and culminated at Geyzing Bazaar, where participants held an awareness programme on constitutional rights, the right to education, transparency in governance and the accountability of elected governments.
The programme was led by social activist and politician Prabin Sharma, Sagar Sharma and others.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers said Wangchuk’s demands for transparency, merit-based educational policies and accountability in governance were justified in the wake of alleged irregularities, including the NEET paper leak controversy.
They also supported Wangchuk’s demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the minister should be held accountable for lapses in the education system.
Sagar Sharma urged people to remain fearless while demanding justice and accountability from elected governments, saying democracy functions effectively only when citizens question those in power.
He said people should unite whenever democratic institutions display “autocratic tendencies” and asserted that Wangchuk’s movement was aimed at improving governance rather than serving any political interest.
“We should stand in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, who seeks nothing but improvement in the system of governance. His hunger strike deserves the support of the people because his demands are in the larger public interest,” Sharma said.
Prabin Sharma described Wangchuk’s hunger strike as a genuine democratic protest and alleged that attempts to label him “anti-national” were intended to divert attention from alleged failures in the education sector.
Claiming that corruption, nepotism and favouritism had adversely affected opportunities for meritorious youth, Sharma alleged that irregularities in examinations had weakened public confidence in the system.
He also raised concerns over the Sikkim Public Service Commission (SPSC) recruitment process, alleging irregularities and demanding a fair investigation into the matter.
Sharma further alleged that nepotism, bribery and favouritism continued to affect public recruitment in the State and referred to a reported statement by the chief minister regarding appointments, claiming it had raised concerns over the fairness of the recruitment process.
Advocate Doma Lepcha said questioning elected governments was a constitutional right and an essential feature of democracy.
Referring to Wangchuk’s protest, she said it was an exercise of democratic rights aimed at seeking reforms and was not directed against the Constitution.
Lepcha alleged that growing public support for Wangchuk reflected increasing concern over the need for transparency and accountability in the education system.
The organisers said they would continue holding protest rallies until educational policies are strengthened and alleged irregularities in the education sector are addressed.
