4 rooms available for 8 classes; CEO in slumber
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, May 4: Struggling with space constraints, the teachers of Government Middle School (GMS) in Dargam village of district Baramulla’s Pattan, as well as locals, have been left with no option but to erect a makeshift shed to accommodate students.
The move comes after authorities turned a blind eye to the hardships faced by both teachers and students, failing to construct additional classrooms to accommodate all enrolled students.
“There has been no response from the authorities whatsoever; this prompted locals as well as teachers to collect money out of their pockets and erect a shed, which now accommodates 2 classes,” said Ghulam Hassan Wani, a resident.
As of now, residents report only 4 classrooms for 8 classes and 10 staff members, deeming it insufficient for over 120 students from the village and nearby areas. They also note the lack of sanitary facilities at the school.
“When we raised the lack of space issue, authorities promised that 8 classrooms would be constructed; however, only 4 were tendered out in 2021-22, leaving it insufficient,” stated another resident, Muhammad Akbar.
Despite repeated pleas to the concerned department and the district administration, residents note that grievances lodged on this matter are left unanswered by the office of the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Baramulla.
The school, now facing Government apathy, holds historical value and a sense of belonging for residents as the area’s first educational institute.
Another resident, Muhammad Altaf, highlighted that due to space constraints, lower classes are suffering, and the mid-day meal kitchen operates from a tin shed.
“During rainy days, teachers advise children to stay home; sometimes, classes are even held in corridors. This situation severely hampers students’ education,” he added.
Furthermore, in 2020, authorities informed locals that a proposal for a new 6-room building had been forwarded to the Government, pending approval.
Locals recalled that the old school building was damaged in a 2005 earthquake, and in 2019, authorities declared it unsafe. Despite pleas, only 4 rooms were built in 2021-22.
The residents also raised their financial constraints, stating that they cannot afford to send their children to private schools, thus relying solely on the Government education set up, witnessing improvements.
“But, when it comes to our village and our school, despite the Government’s expenditure on education, the lack of facilities persists and it has been there for years. The promises of smart class education contrast sharply with the reality of overcrowded classrooms and insufficient facilities here,” the residents said.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Baramulla, Balbir Singh Raina, did not respond to repeated calls and messages regarding the matter.
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