PIL Filed in Gujarat HC Against Shutting down Gandhiji’s School

Gandhiji’s high school in Rajkot, Gujarat, is closing for good, and will be turned into a museum in his memory.

Mahatma Gandhi attended the Alfred High School from 1880-1887, graduating at age 18. (Photo: iStock)

A PIL (Public Interest Litigation) has been filed before the Gujarat High Court against the shutting down of Mohandas Gandhi Vidyalaya in Rajkot, which was also Mahatma Gandhi’s alma mater. The PIL is to be heard by a division bench headed by Justice R Subhash Reddy, reported The Indian Express.

The school authorities reportedly began the process of shutting shop on 29 April. Gandhiji studied at the institution from 1880 to 1887.

Last year, a proposal by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) to the Gujarat government prompted the process of the school’s closure. The idea was to convert the school into a museum in memory of Gandhiji.

We have hired a consultant to carry out the work of converting this building into a museum at the cost of Rs 10 crore. This museum would showcase life and times of Gandhiji, Sardar Patel and many other prominent personalities.

BN Pani, Rajkot Municipal Commissioner, to PTI

Also Read: Experiments With Truth: Mahatma Gandhi, the Child Delinquent

The 164-year-old institution was renamed Mohandas Gandhi Vidyalaya in 1971. (Photo Courtesy: YouTube / Hemanshu Parekh)

We have started issuing leaving certificates to the students, who can now secure admission in any school of their preference for the next academic year. 

Reva Patel, District Education Officer, to PTI

Also Read: On Mahatma Gandhi’s Death Anniversary, Rajghat Gets a Makeover

The reasons cited for the school’s closing were an almost decade-long case of poor performance in the board exams, and a fall in the number of students enrolling. Reports also stated that between 2013-14, no student from Bapu’s alma mater could pass the Class 10 board examination.

Following this, the state decided to transfer the school’s teaching staff, replacing them with those from other institutes. This, however, did not improve examination results.

These circumstances led to the transfer of over 125 students to the nearby state-affiliated Karansinhji High School.

Also Read: On Martyr’s Day, Twitterati Pay Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi

(With inputs from PTI, The Indian Express)