2 rooms for 5 classes at Baramulla school

Baramulla, July 3: Imagine 85 students crammed into two small rooms pouring over their books and taking notes.

One might find it hard to believe that such a classroom exists.

But that is how the students at government school in the Nadibal area in Baramulla outskirts go about studying daily.

The Government Primary School Nadihal has 85 students and the School Education Department (SED) has posted only two teachers for these students who at times take classes jointly in congested two rooms.

A visit to the school depicts the grim scenario of the education sector in north Kashmir.

The infrastructural standard of this school punctures the claims of taking the education sector to new heights.

“Our children are neglected because they are from poor families. The condition of the school is deplorable. The poor children of this area study in this school,” said Ashiq Mir, a resident of Nadihal.

He said that the condition of the school would have been altogether different if the kids enrolled here were from rich families or were kids of the officials of the Education Department.

"We fail to understand how 85 students are being adjusted in two small rooms," Mir said.

The residents said that they earlier submitted a grievance to the office of Lieutenant Governor (LG) Sinha following which the process to construct the school building was started but construction has not been started so far.

“The LG’s office took cognisance of the issue and the Junior Engineer of the R&B Department visited here as well. We were told that a building will be constructed, but so far, nothing has been done on the ground,” the parents said.

They said that before the Lok Sabha elections, they were assured that work would start.

“But it has not happened to date. Earlier, we were misled under the guise of the Model Code of Conduct,” another local said.

The locals said that they approached the authorities several times but their pleas were ignored.

"We appeal to the concerned authorities to provide adequate staff and infrastructure for the students. These students are suffering daily,” the locals said.

They said that the school was in shambles, and the concerned authorities were in a slumber despite strict directions from the LG’s office.

"No toilet facilities are here. The kitchen for cooking Mid-Day Meals is run in a makeshift arrangement. The department claims it has enough funds available but this school has been neglected to date,” locals said.

The parents and the residents of Nadihal in Baramulla outskirts said that the district education authorities should ensure adequate classrooms and other basic facilities are provided to the students here.

"Students should not suffer here. Their academics get disturbed given the prevailing conditions of the school,” the locals said.

Project Director J&K Samagra Shiksha, Rakesh Magotra told Greater Kashmir that the matter would be verified.

"I will take up the matter with the concerned CEO and see why the building has not been constructed for the school. I will see what can be done in this regard,” Magotra said.