Residents of Pangi in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, are appealing to the state government to reintroduce sociology as a subject in government senior secondary schools (GSSS). This call comes after the subject was removed under the state’s educational rationalisation policy, impacting students’ academic choices.
Community Voices Call for Action
The Pangwal Ekta Manch, a local community organization, has taken the lead in this effort, emphasizing the adverse impact of removing sociology from schools in the region. Trilok Thakur, the group’s spokesperson, voiced his concern: “It pains us that sociology, a vital subject, has been abolished in most GSSSs in Pangi without considering the needs of the students.”
Several schools, including GSSS Killar, Dharwas, Sach, and Purthi, have been affected by this policy, which has limited students’ opportunities to pursue studies in sociology—a subject that offers critical insights into social structures, challenges, and systemic inequalities.
Importance of Sociology for Local Students
Sociology plays a crucial role in broadening students’ perspectives on social issues, such as family dynamics and community challenges. It fosters critical thinking and equips students with the ability to understand and engage thoughtfully with societal complexities. Arjun Chauhan, a local social worker, underscored the importance of the subject: “Sociology enables students to engage thoughtfully with social challenges, a valuable skill, especially for our tribal youth.”
Currently, only GSSS Sechunala and the Government Degree College in Pangi continue to offer sociology, forcing many students to either forego the subject or travel significant distances to access it.
Parents and Students Feel the Impact
Prem Singh, a parent from the community, expressed frustration over the limited academic options now available: “Despite a strong humanities student enrollment in Pangi, sociology is no longer offered in most schools. This exclusion limits our students’ choices.” The removal of sociology has disproportionately affected students in the humanities, a field where the subject is often an integral part of the curriculum.
Formal Appeal to Government Authorities
In response to the situation, the Pangwal Ekta Manch has formally appealed to Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. They have requested that directives be issued to key officials, including the Secretary of Education, Additional Chief Secretary of Tribal Development, and Director of Higher Education. The community seeks not only the restoration of sociology in key schools but also the creation or reassignment of teaching posts to support the subject’s reinstatement.
Education Equity and Opportunity
For residents of Pangi, this issue extends beyond academics; it symbolizes the broader struggle for educational equity and access. The absence of sociology limits the educational opportunities available to students, restricting their ability to pursue subjects that enhance their understanding of societal issues. The community believes that reinstating sociology is essential to provide local students with comprehensive educational options and the resources needed to achieve their academic and professional aspirations.
Hope for Government Response
Pangi’s residents remain hopeful that the Himachal Pradesh Government will address their concerns and act promptly to reinstate sociology in local schools. Such a move would represent a step toward promoting educational inclusivity and ensuring that students in the region have equal access to subjects that prepare them for future challenges.
The community awaits a positive response from the government, emphasizing that swift action is essential to support the educational goals and aspirations of students in Pangi.
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