Kaligachh Adivasi Junior High School, located in the Majhiyali gram panchayat area of Chopra block in North Dinajpur, has been shut down following the retirement of its lone guest teacher. The school was locked on January 31, bringing academic activities to a complete halt despite the institution having basic infrastructure.
The school, situated in a tribal-dominated area, was closed due to the absence of teaching staff. Transfer certificates (TCs) have been issued to all its students. In 2022, one permanent teacher from the school was transferred, followed by the transfer of another permanent teacher in 2025. Since then, the school has been running solely under the management of guest teacher Pradipkumar Ghosh.
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Ghosh single-handedly managed the school when it had over a hundred students. Over time, however, student strength declined to 33. After his retirement on January 31, no teacher remained to run the school. Subsequently, instructions were issued from Bikash Bhavan stating that the remaining 33 students must be given transfer certificates and admitted to other schools.
Following these directives, the guest teacher issued TCs to the students. After completing all formal responsibilities, he returned to the school on January 31, locked the premises, and left, effectively marking the closure of the institution.
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Shiblal Singh, a teacher at a primary school located next to the junior high school, said, "From the beginning, I have seen that whichever teacher comes to that junior high school leaves by taking a transfer on various pretexts. Pradip ran the school alone. There were days when we went and conducted classes there. Finally, the school has been closed. I feel very bad thinking about the students."
Retired guest teacher Pradip Ghosh said, "I managed the school single-handedly. At the time of retirement, instructions came that students would have to be given TCs and admitted elsewhere. I fulfilled my responsibility and retired. But I feel very sad that the school has closed. The school could have been run if teachers had been appointed. Now I will feel bad whenever I pass in front of the school."
Teacher Ramitkumar Das, who transferred from that school last year, said, "Kaligachh Adivasi Junior High School was the first school of my teaching career in 2014. I was transferred in 2025. My wife had physical problems, so I had appealed to the court to get me transferred. I heard the school has been closed. I really feel very bad."
An guardian named Shefali Murmu said angrily, "My son now goes to Majhiyali High School, covering three-four kilometers. There are fairs and games in the state. But why is education in such a condition? Are we neglected because we are tribals?"
Chopra's Sub-Inspector of Schools, Faruk Mandal, said, "There was a shortage of teachers, and the number of students was also decreasing. I have informed the District Inspector of Schools so that the school can be reopened afresh."
