Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Jalpaiguri school headmaster transferred after special midday meal row
Dharmachand Barui was the headmaster of an old school in Jalpaiguri.
He was moved to another government school after returning from leave.
The leave began after students allegedly confronted and assaulted him over a special midday meal.
Four students were punished by being given transfer certificates.
They were later detained and released on interim bail.
The government order did not explain why Barui was transferred.
Some people connected to the school believe the move may be related to an inquiry into the incident.
Other students, parents and alumni welcomed the change and said they hoped the school would improve.
Dharmachand Barui, headmaster of the 150-year-old Jalpaiguri Zilla School, was transferred to Matiali Government Model School.
The transfer order was issued on Thursday, when Barui returned from 14 days of leave.
The leave followed an alleged student assault during a dispute over a special midday meal on September 8.
Four Class X students were issued transfer certificates and later released on interim bail after being detained.
The government order gave no reason, while some students, parents and alumni welcomed the transfer.
- Who
- Dharmachand Barui, headmaster of Jalpaiguri Zilla School, was transferred; four Class X students were also identified and disciplined after the incident.
- What
- Barui was transferred to Matiali Government Model School after an alleged confrontation and assault by students over a special midday meal.
- When
- The alleged assault occurred on September 8; Barui returned from 14 days of leave and received the transfer order on Thursday.
- Where
- The incident took place at Jalpaiguri Zilla School, and Barui was transferred to Matiali Government Model School in Matiali block, Jalpaiguri district.
- Why
- The official order did not state a reason. Some school community members believe the transfer could be linked to a departmental inquiry, but this has not been officially confirmed.
School community’s view
Official position
Reason for the transfer
School community’s view
Some students, parents and alumni members welcomed the transfer and believed it could help the school recover. Some community members also suspected it was connected to the departmental inquiry into the September 8 incident.
Official position
The government transfer order did not link the move to the student confrontation or provide any reason. Officials cited in the report did not confirm a connection.
Assessment of Barui’s tenure
School community’s view
A Class XI student cited concerns about classrooms, benches and toilets, while a parent alleged that the school declined during Barui’s tenure. The alumni association said it had concerns about some decisions and his relationship with students and parents.
Official position
The report does not include a detailed official assessment of Barui’s tenure or any government finding explaining the transfer.
- Headmaster
- Dharmachand Barui
- Original school
- Jalpaiguri Zilla School, established in 1876
- New posting
- Matiali Government Model School, Matiali block
- Incident date
- September 8
- Leave period
- 14 days
- Student action
- Four Class X students received transfer certificates and were later released on interim bail
- Official reason
- The transfer order did not specify a reason