A bandh in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district disrupted life as residents protested against the prolonged absence of teachers in local schools. Shops, offices, and transport services were affected throughout the day, highlighting the frustration of communities who say children’s education has been ignored for too long.
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The bandh call and its immediate impact
The bandh was called by community leaders and local organizations who have been raising concerns over teacher shortages in government schools. They said repeated appeals to the education department went unanswered, forcing them to resort to a shutdown.
Markets in Bomdila, Rupa, and nearby areas wore a deserted look. Daily wage earners, shopkeepers, and small businesses faced losses, while students were left idle at home. Public and private vehicles remained off the roads as supporters enforced the bandh. Even administrative offices witnessed minimal activity, as most employees were unable to travel.
Residents argued that while a bandh causes hardship, it was necessary to draw the government’s attention. “Our children are suffering due to absent teachers. If this continues, their future will be ruined. This bandh is our last option to make the state act,” said a community elder.
Schools at the center of the crisis
At the core of the agitation lies the shortage of teachers in government-run schools. Parents say several schools in West Kameng function with fewer teachers than required, and in some cases, posts have remained vacant for years.
Students often sit in classrooms without instructors, and subjects like science and mathematics are left unattended. Many children skip school altogether, as learning becomes irregular and demotivating. Parents worry this will widen the gap between government and private schools, leaving rural students at a disadvantage.
Local groups accused some teachers of staying away from their postings for long periods while still drawing salaries. They demanded strict monitoring to ensure accountability. “It is not just about vacancies, but also about negligence. The government must take strong action against teachers who remain absent without valid reasons,” said a student union leader.
Voices from the ground
Parents expressed deep concern over their children’s education being compromised. A father in Rupa shared that his son, who is in Class 9, has not had a regular mathematics teacher for nearly a year. “We tried to hire private tutors, but not every family can afford that. The government school is supposed to be our hope, but it is failing us,” he said.
Students too joined the protest, carrying placards that demanded quality education and the presence of subject teachers. Some spoke about dreams of becoming doctors, engineers, or civil servants, but feared their schooling would not prepare them for competitive exams.
Daily wage laborers, meanwhile, pointed out that bandhs hit their income, yet they participated to secure a better future for their children. “If education suffers, our next generation will continue to struggle. We cannot let that happen,” one protester said.
Government response under pressure
The bandh put pressure on the Arunachal Pradesh government to respond. Officials acknowledged the shortage of teachers in remote districts but said recruitment processes were underway. They also admitted that monitoring absentee teachers has been difficult due to challenging terrain and limited administrative reach.
The education department assured the public that steps will be taken to post adequate staff in schools and to tighten oversight on attendance. However, community groups insisted on a clear timeline and immediate deployment of teachers to end the crisis.
Wider concerns in the state
Teacher shortages are not unique to West Kameng. Several districts across Arunachal Pradesh face similar problems. While the government has introduced recruitment drives, postings to remote areas often face resistance from staff unwilling to work in difficult conditions.
Infrastructure also adds to the challenge. Many schools lack basic facilities such as proper classrooms, hostels, or libraries, making it harder to attract qualified teachers. Civil society groups argue that unless the state prioritizes education with strong investment and accountability, such protests will recur.
A call for sustainable action
The bandh showed how education is central to the aspirations of communities. Leaders emphasized that protests and shutdowns are disruptive, but they reflect the desperation of people who feel ignored. They urged the government to view this as a wake-up call to strengthen the education system.
Education experts suggested that digital learning could supplement shortages in remote districts. They proposed online classes and teacher-sharing programs between schools until permanent solutions are implemented. Others called for stronger incentives for teachers to serve in rural areas, such as housing facilities, allowances, and career benefits.
Moving forward
The bandh in West Kameng highlighted the urgent need for reforms in the education sector of Arunachal Pradesh. It disrupted daily life, but it also amplified the voices of parents, students, and communities demanding their right to proper schooling.
While government assurances bring some hope, locals remain cautious until real action is seen. For them, the priority is clear: teachers must be present in classrooms, and children must receive the education they deserve.
Until then, the district may continue to see unrest, as residents are determined not to let the issue fade. The protest reflects a larger struggle in Arunachal Pradesh, where remote communities seek equal opportunities for their children in a state still grappling with developmental challenges.
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