Agartala, July 05, 2024: In a display of frustration and determination, Tripura’s students from Baghan Higher Secondary School in North Tripura district took to the streets blocking a major road to protest the transfer of their beloved teacher Madhumita Routh. The incident took place on Friday morning causing disruptions along the Premtala-Jherjheri road which serves as an alternate national highway.

The shortage of teachers in Tripura’s schools has been an ongoing issue, exacerbating the challenges faced by students. When Madhumita Routh, a Bengali section teacher was transferred from Baghan Higher Secondary School to Radhapur Higher Secondary School in Dharmanagar, students felt compelled to take action. They believed that losing their dedicated teacher would further hinder their studies.

At approximately 10:30 am, students gathered and blocked the road in front of their school. Their message was clear: Madhumita Routh should remain at Baghan School and her transfer should be reconsidered. The students expressed their frustration at the lack of teacher appointments after transfers, which often left schools understaffed.

The Block Development Officer (BDO) of Kadamtala block Himangshu Debnath, swiftly responded to the situation. He engaged in dialogue with the protesting students, assuring them that their concerns were heard. Debnath empathized with their predicament and promised that Madhumita Routh would be retained at Baghan School without any further transfers.

Reassured by the BDO’s commitment, the students decided to end their road blockade by 11 am. However, the disruption caused inconvenience to commuters for nearly half an hour. The incident highlights the urgency of addressing teacher shortages and ensuring stability in educational institutions.

It is worthy to mention here that the Dharmanagar-Kailashahar main road was blocked by students protesting the transfer of teacher Brajalal Nath on July 02 last. The incident took place at Jiban Tripura Higher Secondary School, Anandabazar where Nath had been teaching for the past three months. Students expressed their support for the dedicated teacher, who had reportedly improved their understanding of various subjects. During this protest, eight girls have been hospitalized while two are still critical and admitted in state’s top referral healthcare institution i.e. GBP Hospital in Agartala city.