Students found cleaning classrooms; Broken furniture, tools occupy part of a classroom; concerns raised over school meal, staff attendance
Bandipora, August 20 : A visit to Government Middle School, Pethkoot of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, has brought to the fore concerns over classroom maintenance, cleanliness and the provision of the school meal, with residents also alleging irregular attendance by some members of the teaching staff.
The school has an enrolment of 116 students and has six teachers, besides a Rehbar-e-Khel (ReK), an Aaya and a Multi-Tasking Staff member.
During the visit, dust, sand and stones were found lying inside classrooms, while students were seen cleaning the rooms. In one classroom being used by Class 6 students, broken chairs and tools were occupying part of the available space, leaving limited room for students.
The condition observed during the visit raises questions about the regular maintenance of the classrooms and the arrangements in place for keeping the school premises clean.
Another issue came up during the lunch break when students said they had not received the school meal that day.
When the matter was brought to the notice of the teaching staff, they stated that the food procured was insufficient and that no meal had been prepared that day.
The reason for the non-preparation of the meal could not be independently established during the visit. The matter has been brought to the notice of the concerned education authorities for verification and necessary action.
Residents also alleged irregular attendance and punctuality among some teaching staff.
According to the allegations, some teachers report to the school around 10 am, leave around noon and return later, while some were alleged to remain absent for the day.
These allegations could not be independently verified. Attendance registers, biometric records, where applicable, and other official records would be required to establish the attendance position.
The issue was brought to the notice of the Chief Education Officer, Bandipora, on August 20. The CEO subsequently conveyed the matter to the concerned Zonal Education Officer, who visited the school.
The ZEO, according to the information available, assured that corrective measures would be taken and that the school would be given a “new look” within seven days.
The assurance has raised expectations among students and residents, who want the promised improvements to be implemented within the stipulated period.
The concerns at the school have also prompted calls for a broader inspection by the Education Department and the district administration, particularly into classroom maintenance, staff attendance, basic facilities and the provision of school meals.
With 116 students enrolled at the institution, residents have sought timely intervention to ensure that the school provides a clean and functional environment for students and that basic entitlements, including the prescribed school meal, are provided as required.
