August 1, 2002

STOP PRESS : CM has given a detailed public statement defending the decision to close HSTP in Hoshangabad. He mainly argues about uniformity of textbooks and class 10 results. The message is attached in Hindi and English.

Dear Friends,

This is just a brief note with the latest developments.

1. Preparations for the dharna are on. Many students and teachers are keen to join in support of HSTP but the threats of vindictive action against them will most likely limit the number of teachers participating. Lots of ex-students of the programme will however be coming to Bhopal in support of something they enjoyed while in school.
2. We have also received confirmations from long-distance supporters and resource persons of HSTP. Prof. Anil Sadgopal (CIE, Delhi Univ), Prof. Ramakant Agnihotri (Linguistics, Delhi Univ), Prof. Amitabh Mukherjee (Centre for Science Education and Communication, Delhi), Shri Anil Bordia (ex-Secretary, Education, GOI and erstwhile Chairperson, Lok Jumbish Parishad), Prof. Urjit Yajnik, IIT Bombay have confirmed. We would urge many more to join in and inform us of your participation at your earliest.
3. The dharna at Bhopal is being jointly organised by Eklavya, MP Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti, Madhya Pradesh Vigyan Sabha, Science Centre (Gwalior), Tulika Samvaad, All India Peoples’ Science Network, Progressive Writers Association and Janwadi Lekhak Sangh. We think that this should be the beginning of a movement for good education. The expenses of the dharna will be raised from fund mobilization for this movement. So we appeal to all of you to contribute generously to the fund – Shikha Abhiyan Nidhi.
4. AN IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT - We have news from the field that the Education Department officials and the Sharma family have given oral instructions to teachers (especially of private schools on whom they have more of a stranglehold) to get students to write letters to the CM welcoming the new textbook. There have been specific instances of this from Hoshangabad, Itarsi and Pipariya. This forced mass signature campaign raises two questions –
   1. This is being done since the last two days. Very soon the state govt. may say that they have written evidence that the children like the new book. But what relation does this post-dated campaign has with a decision taken on July 3, 2002.
   2. Probably, the govt. has been attacked very strongly on its statement that "the only positive aspect of HSTP that they cannot reply to is the enjoyment of children, that too because it is intangible". So now they probably are trying to garner "proof" to counter this "intangible" aspect of HSTP. We need to be prepared to challenge this post-dated forced signature campaign.

Well, that is all. Please keep up the pressure through emails, faxes etc.