Darjeeling: Ghum–Jorebunglow Group Backs Ban on Housie in School Premises
A local community organisation from the Ghum–Jorebunglow area has expressed support for the Education Department’s decision to prohibit Housie-style gambling activities from being conducted within school premises in the Darjeeling hills. The development comes at a time when schools are preparing to host important board examinations, prompting calls for stricter monitoring of campus environments.
Representatives of the Ghum–Jorebunglow People’s Organization said the ban is a positive step towards maintaining the academic character of educational institutions and ensuring that school grounds are not used for activities that may distract students or raise ethical concerns.
Community Group Welcomes Education Department’s Move
At a press interaction, the organisation’s president, Sange Dukpa, said the group fully supports the directive and urged authorities to ensure that the restrictions are implemented consistently. He noted that schools should remain focused on education and student welfare, particularly during crucial examination periods.
General Secretary Thendup Wangdi recalled that similar concerns had been raised earlier during a winter festival in Ghum, when the organisation had requested that Housie games not be allowed in the area. According to him, authorities associated with the local heritage railway had at that time restricted such activities within their premises, a move the organisation appreciated.
The latest directive from the Education Department, local members said, reflects growing awareness about the need to maintain a clear distinction between recreational events and activities conducted in educational settings.
Concerns Over Gambling-Like Activities in Schools
Housie, a number-based game often associated with social gatherings and fund-raising events, has in some instances been organised under the banner of sports or cultural programmes. However, critics argue that when such games resemble gambling and are held on school grounds, they may send the wrong message to students.
Education stakeholders have increasingly emphasised that schools should be safe and distraction-free spaces, especially ahead of board examinations. Community leaders in the hills said that allowing games perceived as gambling within campuses could undermine the seriousness of the academic environment.
Members of the organisation stated that youth voices had played a role in highlighting the issue, with concerned individuals drawing attention to the practice and seeking official intervention.
Focus on Upcoming Board Examinations
The timing of the discussion is significant, as students in the region are set to appear for major state board examinations in the coming weeks. Secondary-level examinations are scheduled to begin in early February, followed by higher secondary examinations later in the month.
The organisation extended its good wishes to students preparing for the tests and stressed that maintaining a calm and disciplined atmosphere around schools is essential. It also appealed for administrative support to ensure that no such games are organised on school premises during the examination season.
Community representatives said that educational institutions often serve as centres for various local events, but a balance must be maintained so that academic priorities are not affected.
Call for Administrative Cooperation
In its appeal, the group sought cooperation from the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) leadership to reinforce the ban and ensure compliance at the local level. Members said coordination between education authorities and local administration would help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that guidelines are followed uniformly.
Observers note that such community-led interventions reflect broader civic engagement in the hills, where local organisations often play a role in raising social and educational concerns. While cultural and social events remain an important part of hill life, many residents support keeping school spaces reserved primarily for educational purposes.
A Wider Debate on School Spaces
The issue has also revived discussion on how school infrastructure is used outside teaching hours. While some argue that community use of school grounds can foster social bonding and support local events, others caution that certain activities may be inappropriate in an academic setting.
Education officials have in recent years underlined the need for clear guidelines regarding non-academic use of school facilities. The recent ban is seen as part of that broader effort to define acceptable practices within school campuses.
Looking Ahead
As examination season approaches, the emphasis in Darjeeling and adjoining hill areas is shifting firmly towards student welfare and academic focus. Community organisations say they will continue to work with authorities to ensure that school environments remain supportive of learning.
The backing from local groups for the Education Department’s directive suggests a shared understanding that educational institutions must be protected from activities that could dilute their purpose. Going forward, consistent enforcement and awareness among organisers are likely to be key in maintaining this balance.
