Students protest in Dima Hasao demanding degree college, proposed medical college

The state of education in Dima Hasao district has reached a concerning level, prompting a protest organised by the Indigenous Students’ Forum (ISF) along with students from various schools in the Mahur area. 

The protest was held at Mahur playground, demanding the establishment of a degree college in Mahur, the introduction of Science and Commerce streams at Mahur Higher Secondary School, Mahur, and the construction of a proposed medical college in Laisong, Dima Hasao.

Students and organisers highlighted that Mahur currently has only one higher secondary school, Mahur Higher Secondary School, which offers only the Arts stream with just 60 seats. As a result, many students from Mahur are forced to travel to Haflong for further education. Economically disadvantaged students are often unable to continue their studies due to financial constraints.

An ISF member said that prior to the elections of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma had promised that a degree college would be established in Mahur, but no steps have been taken so far. The member alleged that such promises are made only during elections and are rarely fulfilled afterwards.

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The protesters also raised concerns over the planned model residential school in Mahur. While a local individual had donated land for the school, the government has reportedly decided to set up an NCERT centre instead, which has sparked opposition from local residents and students.

The protest also highlighted longstanding administrative issues at Mahur Higher Secondary School, Mahur. The school has been without a permanent principal for an extended period, and the current acting principal is reportedly frequently absent. Additionally, the school suffers from a shortage of teachers, further affecting the quality of education.

The Indigenous Students’ Forum expressed strong dissatisfaction that many students did not participate in the protest due to prior notifications from the education department, emphasising that the ongoing neglect of educational infrastructure in Mahur is a matter of grave concern.