Peerzada Ummer
Srinagar, Jun 27: Latest details have laid bare the alarming state of government schools in Shopian district, with hundreds of institutions lacking basic facilities like electricity, drinking water, and libraries. The data provided by the Office of the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Shopian, paints a grim picture of the education infrastructure in the region.
Official documents list 15 schools in Shopian that have no electricity connection, leaving students to study in poorly lit classrooms without basic amenities like fans or digital learning tools.
Among the worst affected is HS Rawalpora, which has neither internal nor external electricity. Six schools in the district lack access to clean drinking water, forcing students to rely on unsafe alternatives. Govt. PS Sanimarg requires 15 pipes to connect to the main water supply, while Govt. PS Thoker Mohalla Shadab Karewa needs 10 pipes.
The most staggering revelation is the absence of libraries in 158 schools across Shopian. Institutions like Middle School Aloora and Primary School Noor Mohalla Alamgunj have no access to books or reading materials, severely limiting students’ learning opportunities.
The data has sparked outrage among parents, teachers, and activists, who accuse the administration of neglecting government schools.
“These deficiencies are not just statistics; they represent stolen futures. The government must prioritize education infrastructure immediately,” says Samiullah Malik, a local resident and educationist.
