Bhubaneswar: Students and parents of the Demonstration Multipurpose (DM) School in Bhubaneswar staged a protest at the Regional Institute of Education (RIE) Thursday, opposing the proposed merger of the institution with the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS).
The protest was joined by members of the DM School Alumni Association, who urged the authorities to reconsider the move and preserve the historic identity, autonomy and legacy of the institution. The development comes amid growing concern among students, parents and alumni over reports that the school may be brought under the KVS system.
The protesters said they had earlier been assured by school authorities that no such merger would take place. However, they said they were now hearing that the proposed merger was being pursued. Students and parents also expressed apprehension over the differences between the rules followed by Kendriya Vidyalayas and those applicable to schools under the state education system. They particularly raised concerns over changes in the academic calendar, holidays and other school-related practices that may follow if the institution is brought under the KVS framework.
Earlier, the DM School Alumni Association had convened an emergency meeting on the school campus to discuss the reported decision of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to hand over the institution to KVS. The alumni association strongly opposed what it termed an “arbitrary and unacceptable” decision. It has submitted a detailed representation to the Union Minister for Education and the Director of NCERT, urging them to reconsider and withdraw the proposed merger.
“DMS Alumni stands united and determined to protect, preserve and uphold the glorious legacy of our beloved alma mater,” the association said, reiterating its campaign slogan: “Save DM School. Preserve its Legacy. Protect our Identity.” The DM School, or Demonstration Multipurpose School, is an experimental and model educational institution attached to an RIE under NCERT. Such schools were established to test and demonstrate innovative teaching methods, curricula and educational practices. The premier PM SHRI DM School in Bhubaneswar was established in 1964.
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