A recent letter from Tripura ‘s education department about organising a workshop to promote the benefits of cows in schools has sparked a controversy.
In a letter sent to district education officers on April 15, Nripendra Chandra Sharma, director of the department, wrote, “This is to enclose herewith a copy of the representation received from the Secretary, Deshi Gobansha Rakshan Sambardhan Samity, Agartala, West Tripura, expressing their intent to organise workshops or seminars in schools to promote awareness and disseminate knowledge about the benefits of cows and their products.”
“In this regard, you are requested to communicate to the Principals/Headmasters / Headmistresses /TICs of High and Higher Secondary Schools under your jurisdiction that the scope for such programmes, if deemed appropriate, may be considered strictly at the discretion of the School Management Committees (SMCs) of the concerned schools,” the letter said.
The letter also stated that the department would not extend any financial assistance to the organising agency and that the SMCs would be responsible for evaluating the relevance and feasibility of such programmes in their schools. The official added that such programmes should not disrupt the normal teaching-learning process.
Reacting to the letter, Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury said on Tuesday, “At a time when the state’s entire education system, from the primary to higher education level, is facing serious challenges owing to a shortage of teachers and its reflection is seen in board exam results, the Deshi Gobansha Rakshan Sambardhan Samity wants to brainwash the schoolchildren with the RSS ideologies.”
The CPM leader further said, “This name (Deshi Gobansha Rakshan Sambardhan Samity) is unknown in the state. I doubt whether one per cent of the people have heard the name. Such an organisation should not be allowed to enter schools to organise such workshops. If required, the animal resources development department can organise workshops on animal rearing.”
According to Chaudhury, the NGO is linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
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