The Eklavya Model Residential School at Tangmarg area of Damhal Hanjipora in Kulgam, which was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha last year is facing multiple issues, leaving the students with a multitude of challenges.
The school set up at an estimated cost of Rs 17 crore was aimed at providing quality education to the tribal students of the area. But the several problems plaguing the school is affecting education and safety of students.
A teacher pleading anonymity told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that one of the major problems is leaking water pipes inside the building. “This has caused inconvenience to the students as they have to constantly deal with wet floors and walls,” the teacher added.
He said the female students in the school do not have a female warden, undermining their privacy, safety and well-being.
“The school is located in a forested area and there is a risk of wild animal attacks because of absence of a boundary wall for the school. “We are always in fear of some wild animal coming into the school especially at night,” the teacher said.
The lack of staff also hampers the educational experience in the school as only four teachers are available for about 100 students, he added.
Bilal Ahmad Chauhan, a student said there is also an absence of a designated playground for the students in the school. “The students have to play on the stones lying in front of the school. This is not only unsafe, but it is also not conducive to physical activity,” he said.
He said that there is no smart classroom as well hostel facilities available in the school.
This reporter found the school washrooms in a dilapidated condition, with water leaking from pipes.
The parents of the students have also expressed concern about the situation. “The government has spent crores of rupees on building the school, it has failed to provide the basic facilities that the students need. This is a clear case of discrimination against the tribal communities,” said one of the parent.
Students as well as parents requested higher authorities look into the matter.
Repeated attempts to contact Chief Education Officer (CEO) Kulgam Mushtaq Qadri could not materialize—(KNO)
