Sajid Raina
Gurez, Jul 20: The government primary school in the new-Basti Aminabad area of Gurez in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district paints a grim picture of the education sector in Kashmir as the school has just one classroom for 40 students.
Locals said that the smooth functioning of the primary school has been affected over the years as the school has just one room to accommodate 40 students and four teachers.
They said that the school has been running out of rented one room since 2011. “Our children also want to get education but unfortunately since 2011 not even a small building is being built for them,” said a local Shafeeq Lone.
“We have informed the government several times about the condition of this school, but they have never paid any attention,” says Nisar Ahmad Lone, who is Sarpanch of the village.
He said the authorities have not submitted rent to the owner since its establishment.
“It is impossible for 40 students to be accommodated in one room. The government should think about it. There is a dire need for a new building for the school here for which the residents will provide the land,” the Sarpanch said.
“We appeal to the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Dr Owais Ahmad to look into the matter and direct the concerned authorities to get the issue redressed at the earliest,” he added.
Meanwhile, a senior official said that concerns ZEO will be instructed to visit the spot and very soon the issue will be solved. “A new building will be constructed for the school if the land is available or the issue will be solved in some other way,” he said.
