Rural schools lack basic infrastructure, Govt unmoved

Srinagar, Aug 4: The government schools across Kashmir, particularly in rural areas, are facing infrastructural gaps, depriving students of basic facilities in classrooms.

The situation persists in government schools despite ambitious education reforms at the national and J&K levels.

But the success of these initiatives hinges on addressing the fundamental issue of inadequate infrastructure.

Over the years, the J&K government, in sync with the Government of India’s plans, has implemented numerous reforms in the education sector.

The flagship National Education Policy 2020 brought in significant changes in curriculum and pedagogy, aiming to provide a strong foundation for children at the foundational levels.

Amid these significant initiatives, the lack of infrastructure in schools remains a pressing concern.

The inadequate facilities, especially in primary and middle-level schools, have led to multiple classes crammed into a single room.

Given the dearth of infrastructure, particularly at primary and middle level schools, the students of more than one class are crammed in one shabby room, reflecting the challenges faced by the education department at ground level.

The dearth of infrastructure has severe consequences for students, especially those in kindergarten and primary classes.

The problem persists more in rural areas where the teachers have to cram students from more than one class in a single room.

Government Girls High School Ashpora in Kupwara district is a case in point.

The school has classes from the 6th to the 10th, but it has only four rooms available.

The school combines classes 6th and 7th in a single room.

“When the government does not focus on these basic issues, this becomes the main reason for parents to enrol their kids in private schools, which are far from their residence,” an official said.

Government Middle School Budbugh is no different from Government Girls High School Ashpora.

The school has no classrooms available for all the students as the school has clubbed students of 6th, 7th and 8th with Government Girls High School Ashpora.

Government Middle School Harweth has students from kindergarten to 8th grade, but the school has only three rooms available, exposing the infrastructural gaps in government schools.

Government Middle School Nilsar in Baramulla district has only five rooms despite having an enrollment of over 100 students, while Government Middle School Bhat Muhalla Bandi Payeen in Baramulla district has only five rooms for eight classes.

The school has an enrollment of 100 students.

The non-availability of classrooms in rural schools exposes the non-seriousness of the government in strengthening these schools, where the local population is mostly dependent on government schools.

Unlike some urban schools, which receive continuous attention, rural schools are victims of official neglect.

Despite a consistent rise in enrollment, these schools grapple with the lack of infrastructure, hindering their potential for excellence.

“Besides focusing on schools in towns and cities, the department needs to give extra attention to schools in rural areas, where the student population provides hope for success if adequate attention is given,” the official said.

Joint Director Education, North Kashmir, Hakeem Tanveer Ahmad, said the requirement for building or any other facility is uploaded by CEOs on UDISE on the basis of which funds are received under Samagra Shiksha.

“But, at times, the officers do not reflect all the requirements due to which infrastructural gaps persist in schools,” he said.

He said instructions have been given to officers to visit their areas to evaluate and analyse the requirement of buildings or any other facilities in schools, which will be accordingly uploaded on UDISE for sanction of funds under Samagra.

“There is no dearth of funds, but in some cases, the requirements do not get reflected on UDISE and these issues remain pending,” he said.