Himachal Pradesh News
Students Protest Proposed Merger of Girls’ School with Co-Ed Institution in Palampur
A wave of emotion and resistance has swept through Palampur after the state government proposed merging the historic Government Girls Senior Secondary School with a nearby co-educational institution in Ghuggar. For many in the town, this is not just an administrative decision—it feels deeply personal.
A wave of emotion and resistance has swept through Palampur after the state government proposed merging the historic Government Girls Senior Secondary School with a nearby co-educational institution in Ghuggar. For many in the town, this is not just an administrative decision—it feels deeply personal.
Established in 1868 as St. Anne’s Girls High School, the institution has been a pillar of girls’ education for over 158 years. Generations of women in Palampur have walked through its gates, building careers, confidence, and community. Today, students of the school took to the streets in protest, urging authorities to reconsider the decision.
“More Than Just a School”
The proposed merger under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has sparked strong reactions from parents, alumni, and social groups.
Neelam Sood, head of NGO People’s Voice and an alumna of the school, expressed deep concern. “This school is not merely an educational institution. It is a living symbol of Palampur’s history and legacy,” she said. Sharing that her mother had also studied there decades ago, she described the campus as a place that shaped generations of women through discipline, academic excellence, and empowerment.
From missionary management in the early 20th century to a government takeover in 1973 and its later upgrade to senior secondary level, the school has evolved with time—without losing its identity.
Strong Academic and Co-Curricular Record
Supporters of the school argue that there is no academic or enrollment-related justification for the merger. The senior wing currently has around 251 students, with total enrollment—including the primary section—standing at approximately 371.
This year alone, a Class XII student secured fourth position in the state board examinations, reinforcing the institution’s consistent academic standards.
Beyond academics, the school has built a strong presence in co-curricular activities:
- Since yoga was introduced as a subject in 1997, students have represented the state at national competitions in Delhi, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.
- Instrumental music, introduced in 2017, has helped students achieve distinction at the state level.
- The school has also maintained a commendable track record in sports competitions.
A Question of Safety and Trust
Located in a busy market area, the school has maintained an unblemished record of safety and discipline for decades. For many families—especially from remote and economically weaker backgrounds—the girls’ school represents a secure and trusted environment.
Parents say the institution offers something beyond textbooks: peace of mind.
Community Sentiment Runs Deep
For residents of Palampur, the issue goes beyond infrastructure rationalization. It touches on heritage, women’s education, and community pride. Alumni recall classrooms where they first found their voice; current students fear losing a space that feels designed for their growth and comfort.
As protests continue, the town waits for clarity. For now, one message echoes strongly from the streets of Palampur: this school is not just a building—it is a legacy worth preserving.
