Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Jan 28: With its foundation laid in 2017, the 8-room, double-storey Government High School building in Ganderbal’s Shuhama, remains incomplete.
Locals reported that although the building is operational for the school, it is still in an unfinished state, with officials citing a lack of funds as the primary reason.
“Due to the lack of space, students are facing difficulties. Two classes have been crammed into one. The delay in completion has left the building in a dilapidated condition,” said Muhammad Shafi, a local resident.
He further mentioned that the contractor initially assigned to the project abandoned the work midway, after which the construction was handed over to another contractor.
“Despite this, the building remains incomplete. The window panes are broken. This is not how a school building should be constructed,” he said.
“We have raised the issue with officials multiple times, but no action has been taken,” the locals said, adding that the building’s interior is in ruins.
They demanded that the construction be completed without further delay and handed over to the Department for proper use.
“We want it completed so it resembles a proper school building where students can study in a better environment. The window panes are damaged. It should be finished and handed over properly; the delays have gone on long enough,” they said.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Ganderbal, Surjeet Kumar, stated that the building will be completed under the UT Capex budget plan, pending the release of funds in the next financial year.
“So far, windows and doors have been installed, and plastering has been done. However, due to delays, the glass panes have been broken. Flooring, window panes, and electrification work are still pending,” he said.
Providing further details, he explained that the initial cost of the building was over Rs 79 lakh, while the allocated cost was over Rs 74 lakh.
“Funds amounting to Rs 69 lakh were released and spent by March 2024. For the 2024-25 financial year, Rs 4 lakh has been earmarked, but these funds are yet to be released,” he said.
When asked about the prolonged delay, he attributed it to a lack of funds in previous years.
“There are nearly nine other school buildings awaiting completion. These will also be addressed in the next financial year. We have already taken up the matter with the Directorate,” he added.