Iconic Netarhat Vidyalaya’s decline sparks alarm, govt orders probe

Perched amid the picturesque highlands of Latehar, Netarhat Vidyalaya was once more than just a school—it was an institution that shaped some of the brightest minds in the country. Known for its academic rigour and discipline, the staterun residential school symbolised excellence in public education and was the pride of Jharkhand's intellectual heritage.

- Vishal Kant

But now, the school that produced the highest number of civil servants and scholars is battling a crisis of relevance and standards. For the first time in its distinguished history, five students—one from Class X and four from Class XII—failed in the CBSE board exams this year. The state education department has now convened a meeting to assess the causes of the decline and suggest reforms to regain its glory.

‘Ata general body meeting of the Netarhat School Committee held on July 5 in Ranchi, chaired by Jharkhand education minister Ramdas Soren, the deteriorating academic performance of the iconic institution was discussed at length.

The minister termed the result “unfortunate” and “serious” and has ordered the formation of a five-member inquiry committee comprising school alumni to examine the causes behind the decline and suggest adequate corrective measures.

“Netarhat’s academic performance has been steadily falling since 2010. This year’s result merely underscores a broader trend of eroding standards and waning public confidence. We will take corrective measures after deliberation on the committee report,” Soren added.

People associated with the school identify the lack of teachers and reduction in student intake as key reasons behind the falling grades. Against a sanctioned strength of 47, there are currently only 19 regular teachers in the school, which admits 100 students to Class VI every year through an annual competitive examination.

Santosh Kumar, the incumbent principal, said they are taking corrective measures.