Polling booths in schools: Officials fear disruption in schooling, academics
Srinagar: The decision for designating polling stations in educational institutions is likely to disrupt the academics in schools this year. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has designated hundreds of polling stations in schools in all the districts across Kashmir. A top official said the schools will be taken over by the paramilitary forces on basis of the accessibility of the areas. “The schools designated as polling stations will be occupied by forces three days ahead of polling day if the institution is located in an inaccessible area and will vacate the building two days after elections are held,” said a top police official wishing not to be named.
He said the schools located on roadside will be taken over by forces one day ahead of voting and will vacate the buildings next day. “So, at maximum there will be disturbance in academics for at least three or five days,” he said.
Pertinently, there are around 857 polling stations in Srinagar district out of which around 450 are set up in government and private educational institutions.
Also, Election Commission of India has designated 850 polling stations in Baramulla district of which 780 polling stations are designated in 600 government schools mostly high and higher secondary schools.
Similarly, around 450 polling stations have been setup in Kupwara district which will be taken over by paramilitary troops during the election time.
Setting up of polling stations in schools has been a trend from past many years which has cost students dearly given the disturbance in academics. At times the schools become soft target of youth for being part of polling in strife torn valley.
In past, the schools which were designated as polling booths were vandalised or torched out of anger by youth. “The schools which were damaged during last elections are yet to be renovated by the department,” the official added.
However, this year the ECI has granted an amount of Rs one crore each for every district to repair and renovate the polling stations including schools by equipping them with drinking water facility, toilets and ramps.
KV Correspondent
