51% schools operating from rented accommodation in Zadibal constituency: Govt

Srinagar, Mar 20: In a startling revelation, the J&K government informed the Legislative Assembly that around 51 percent of the government schools in Zadibal constituency of Srinagar district are operating from rented accommodation.

These schools lack the basic facilities for the students because the government has no provision to equip the rented schools with basic facilities, as part of the Policy.

The issue was raised in the House after MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq asked the government whether several schools in Zadibal Constituency were lacking basic infrastructure including proper classrooms, sanitation and drinking water facilities.

The minister for education Sakina Itoo in a written reply informed the Legislative Assembly that out of 29 Government schools functioning in Zadibal Constituency, 14 were operating in Government owned buildings while 15 schools were working in rented buildings.

The minister further admitted that few schools operating from government-owned buildings were facing dearth of basic facilities.

"Among government-operated school buildings only four schools are facing shortage of classrooms due to non-availability of land," the minister informed the House.

The minister however claimed that all the 29 schools of Zadibal constituency have proper drinking water facilities and proper sanitation.

"The Zadibal constituency comprises three educational zones that include zone Hawal, Zone Iddgah and Zone Gulab Bagh. Majority of the schools fall under the jurisdiction of Zone Hawal," the minister said.

The minister further informed the House that around 25 schools fall in Hawal zone while only four schools fall in the jurisdiction of zone Iddgah and Gulab Bagh.

As per the official figures, out of 24 schools functioning in Zone Hawal 14 schools are operating from government-owned buildings which include three higher secondary schools, four high schools and sevem middle schools.

However 11 schools including one high school, 5 each middle schools and primary schools are operating from rented accommodation in the Hawal education zone.

Also, one high school and one Middle school are operating from rented accommodation in Eidgah zone while two primary schools are operating from rented accommodation in education zone Gulab Bagh.

The schools are operating from rented accommodation as the government has no land available for the construction of permanent buildings for these educational institutions.

This newspaper has earlier carried a series of stories to highlight the issue of schools operating from shabby rented rooms which are without basic facilities for the students.