Bandipora, March 15: While the Department of Education is actively promoting its enrollment drive across Kashmir, the dilapidated state of government schools in tribal areas of Bandipora district raises serious concerns about the feasibility of such initiatives in villages.
Upper Primary School in Kota Sathri, which has 140 students but only three classrooms to accommodate classes from LKG to eighth grade. To make matters worse, the school office and midday meal (MDM) kitchen are crammed into a single classroom, leaving students and staff struggling with space constraints.
Locals said despite a ₹14 lakh sanction for constructing two additional classrooms, only one classroom has been built so far—and it is already leaking and waterlogged, resembling a pond rather than a learning space. “This raises questions about the quality of construction and accountability in fund utilization,” locals told Kashmir Convener.
One of the most shocking revelations is that 69 students from classes two to five are forced to study in a single classroom, making effective teaching nearly impossible. How can quality education be ensured under such conditions?
Local residents have expressed outrage over the enrollment drive, calling it a mockery of education when basic infrastructure is failing. They urge the authorities to prioritize upgrading school facilities before launching campaigns to attract more students.
Residents said the condition of UPS Kota Sathri calls for judicious use of funds besides proper infrastructure, transparency in funds utilization, and accountability in school development to ensure that children receive the education they deserve.
Locals appealed Deputy Commissioner Bandipora to take stock of the situation of schools in remote villages especially in tribal areas.
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