Assam: Former students protest over alleged irregularities at Dibrugarh school

Former students of Dibrugarh Marwari Hindi High School staged a protest outside the Dibrugarh District Commissioner’s office, expressing concern over the alleged irregularities and deteriorating conditions at the institution where they once studied.

The protest followed reports of alleged corruption and administrative lapses at the school, which have recently drawn attention from student organisations, political parties and various social organisations.

The former students alleged that despite the school being provincialised by the Assam government, its functioning has effectively come under the control of the Marwari Education Foundation, a private trust that also operates Marwari schools.

They further alleged that the foundation has appointed a separate headmaster through its own arrangement, despite the government having appointed a headmaster to the school. According to the protesters, the government-appointed headmaster has been deprived of effective administrative powers, allowing the foundation to run the institution according to its own decisions.

The protesters also raised allegations concerning the government's mid-day meal scheme. They claimed that supplies meant for students have allegedly been kept unused and allowed to deteriorate for years instead of being distributed.

Former students said the alleged administrative and financial irregularities have affected the school's academic environment and raised concerns about the welfare of current students.

Following the demonstration, the former students submitted a memorandum addressed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, seeking intervention into the allegations and action against those found responsible.