CEO Bandipora reverses school relocation after GK report

Srinagar, July 30: The Chief Education Officer Bandipora (CEO) Bandipora has ordered to shift of the middle-wing students of Government Middle School (GMS) Arin, Bandipora to their original location.

The move comes a day after Greater Kashmir reported about the relocation of the students of upper primary classes of GMS Arin in Bandipora district to GMS Khairpora evoking criticism from the parents and the students.

The parents opposed the move and demanded that the students be called back to their original school to avoid any inconvenience to them citing that GMS Khairpora was located two kilometers away from GMS Arin.

Greater Kashmir highlighted the grievances of the parents, following which the CEO Bandipora ordered that students would be shifted back to their original location.

“It is hereby ordered that the middle wing of GMS Arin will continue to operate at its original location, until a final decision is made based on the committee's recommendation,” read an order issued by CEO Bandipora.

Earlier, the CEO Bandipora ordered that as per the proposal forwarded by the Cluster Head HSS Arin on April 19, 2024, the middle wing of GMS Arin be shifted from the premises of Government High School Arin to GMS Khairpora Arin with immediate effect.

“The head of the shifted school is also directed to vacate the occupied school building and hand over the same to Principal HSS Arin within two days positively and intimate this office regarding the same,” read an order issued by CEO Bandipora on April 27, 2024.

However, amid the hue and cry over the relocation of middle-wing students, CEO Bandipora in a separate communication addressed to Commissioner Bandipora said that the decision to relocate these students to GMS Khairpora was made with careful consideration.

“GMS Khairpora is well-equipped with sufficient accommodation and staff to support the students. This relocation aims to benefit the students of GMS Arin by providing them with enhanced facilities and educational resources available at GMS Khairpora,” the communication reads.

However, as per the official documents available with Greater Kashmir, the district administration has conveyed the release of Rs 20 lakh for GMS Arin under Tribal Sub Plan 2021-22 for the establishment of an e-classroom, smart classroom, library, sports facilities, and a reading room at the institution.

Greater Kashmir earlier reported that GMS Arin serves children from tribal communities, who make up 90 percent of the student body.

However, the CEO Bandipora in a communication to DC Bandipora said that the classrooms vacated at GMS Arin would be utilised by GHS Arin, thus optimising the use of educational infrastructure.

“But following objections from some community members, a committee was promptly constituted to look into the matter and provide recommendations. The committee has submitted its findings, which are currently under review. Until a final decision is made based on the committee's recommendations, the middle wing of GMS Arin will continue to operate in its original location,” it reads.