Acute classroom shortage plague government school in Pulwama’s far flung area, allege locals
Pulwama: The deteriorating condition of a government school in the remote Gujjar Basti area of Krewa Drabgam in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district is taking toll of the students who suffer in absence of facilities.
Despite repeated claims of strengthening the public education system and upgrading government schools, several institutions in remote areas continue to struggle with inadequate infrastructure and a lack of basic facilities.
The Government Upper Primary School, Gujjar Basti Krewa Drabgam which serves as the primary educational institution for children from economically weaker families in the area, is operating under extremely difficult conditions. The school building has developed deep cracks in its walls, its roof is in a dilapidated state, and there is a severe shortage of classrooms, raising concerns over the safety and quality of education being provided to students.
The situation has become particularly alarming as nine classes are being accommodated in only three classrooms, forcing students and teachers to conduct lessons under highly congested conditions. The lack of adequate teaching space has adversely affected the learning environment, with students saying they are unable to receive proper attention during classes.
A student studying at the school described the situation as unfair, saying that conducting nine classes in just three rooms reflects the harsh reality of many government schools located in the hilly and remote areas of the Kashmir Valley. The student appealed to the authorities to improve the school’s infrastructure so that children can study in a safe and conducive environment.
Residents of the area also voiced their concerns over what they described as official neglect. Local resident Munir Ahmad said the people of Gujjar Basti largely belong to economically weaker sections of society and depend entirely on government schools for their children’s education. He said the absence of proper educational infrastructure has deprived local children of quality learning opportunities despite repeated appeals to the authorities.
Parents and villagers urged the government and the Education Department to immediately provide additional classrooms, repair the damaged school building, and equip the institution with modern educational facilities so that students can pursue their studies without fear or inconvenience.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Pulwama, Anjum Ara, assured that the department would take all possible and immediate measures to improve facilities at the school. She said efforts are underway to strengthen government schools across the district and bring them on par with private educational institutions by providing better infrastructure and improved learning facilities.
