ASIA/INDIA - Christian school strike and hunger strike in West Bengal to protest against new School Service Commission Bill 2006

Friday, 17 March 2006

Calcutta (Fides Service) - Christians in West Bengal are planning to join other minority groups in a strike on 7 April to protest against a new recently approved state School Service Commission Bill 2006 which they claim will cut material aid and funds to schools run by ethnic or religious minorities.
With the new School Service Commission Bill 2006 to qualify for state aid schools run by ethnic or religious minority groups must employ government appointed teaching staff and follow the government approved school curriculum. “This will deprive us of the right to freedom of education and instruction” say Christians of various denominations members united in the West Bengal Association of Christian Schools The Association has written to the state Chief Minister protesting against the Bill which they say violates the freedom of ethnic and religious minorities which offer a highly appreciated public service. The Association also sent a Memorandum on the matter was sent to the National Minorities Commission in New Delhi.
To protest against the new School Service Commission Bill 2006 in West Bengal, on 7 April private schools including Christian institutes will be closed and Christians of various denominations will endorse the move with a hunger strike. (Agenzia Fides 17/3/2006 righe 24 parole 246)


Share: