Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 15: Notwithstanding the tall claims of the Government to improve infrastructure in Education sector in the State, the new campus for the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Pulwama, coming up in South Kashmir’s Pampore town is far from completion, despite passing of 7 years.
With an aim to impart training to teachers across Pulwama District, the construction work of the campus was taken up in 2011. The project was handed over to Roads and Building Department (R&B) with an estimated cost of Rs 4.78 crores. However, there have been no headways in the project for last two years owing to the lack of funds. “The construction work was going on until 2014 but after that, the project has been almost abandoned by the Government,” a DIET official said.
He, however, alleged that unwillingness on the part of the Government to complete the projects initiated by their predecessors was the main reason behind the abandonment of the project. “Almost seven years have passed since its foundation stone was laid but there has been no headway in the project for last two years,” he said, adding the Institute is running from a cramped makeshift arrangement.
Presently, the Institute runs from a makeshift arrangement in the local Government Boys Higher Secondary School. “It is really hard for teachers who come for training and the staff of the DIET to operate from a cramped space despite sanctioning of new campus,” another official at the institute said.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Pulwama, M A Salroo, said the project was under State sector and received meager funding. “Under State sector funds are not released in one go. It takes time for the completion of the project. But we have called a meeting in this regard wherein the issue will be discussed and solve the issue,” he said.
The officials at R&B, however, said that they have already floated fresh tenders for the pending work as the earlier contractor failed to complete the project. “The contractor was irked due to the slow pace of funds and stopped the work. Reacting to his act, we have terminated his contract,” he said, adding it would at least take two months to complete the project.
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