Schools in rural areas face neglect, official apathy
Srinagar: The tall claims of the School Education Department notwithstanding, the rural schools in Kashmir continue to face official neglect thereby telling upon the overall academic standards of the students enrolled in these schools.
Government Middle School (GMS) TakiyaKhurhama in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district is a case in place. The school depicts a grim picture of educational standards in the state.
The school is located in education zone Khumriyal (Lolab) of Kupwara district. However, the infrastructural facilities in this school reflects the official apathy of the government towards the schools located in rural areas.
According to locals, the educational institution is operating from ashabby and dilapidated three rooms.
“In addition to it the school has a store room which at times serves as a classroom for students,” said a teacher.
He said the total enrollment of the students in the school is 90. “Due to lack of accommodation the students from kindergarten to 8th standard are crammed in congested three class rooms,” the teacher said, adding that the students from Kindergarten to 4th primary at times take their classes on veranda of the school.
“All the students are adjusted in the three congested rooms in case of scorching heat or at times of rainfall or chilly winters,” he said.
The students are forced to go back home during the rainfall or in case of inclement weather.
“The rainwater seeps inside the classrooms which causes inconveniences for the students as well as teachers. So we are forced to close the school unofficially,” he said.
Besides accommodation this school is also without the basic facilities of library, toilet blocks for students and drinking water facility.
“We had apprised the authorities about the condition of the school but all in vain,” he said.
The schools exists on ground despite the tall claims of improving infrastructural availability in educational institutions at par with other states.
“This school has not witnessed any development since it was established,” the teacher added,
Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK) G N Itoo when contacted said the department will seek a report from concerned Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) and will provide finds for the accommodation.
“The school will be provided with the toilet and drinking water facility as well,” he said.
KV Correspondent
