Bandipora, Aug 26 (KNS): More than 70 students at a government primary school in Zaban Bandipora are being taught in a single classroom in a decades-old building, with a cowshed operating directly beneath the school premises, raising serious concerns over their education, health and safety.

 

The school, which has reportedly been functioning from the same building for more than five decades, is facing an acute shortage of classrooms and teaching staff. With only two teachers available for more than 70 students, children from different classes are being accommodated and taught together in the same classroom.

 

Students said the overcrowding, lack of space and constant disturbance are making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies.

 

“The building is not safe, and the smell from the cowshed continuously affects us. We cannot study properly because of the disturbance and the conditions here,” said Sabreena, a Class 4 student.

 

Another student, Mehvish, said that teaching multiple classes together creates difficulties for both students and teachers.

 

“We have to study together in one classroom. One teacher teaches some subjects while the other teaches other subjects. It becomes difficult to read and write properly,” she said.

 

Students also expressed concern over the unhygienic conditions caused by the cowshed situated below the school, saying the foul smell and surrounding disturbance affect their health and ability to study.

 

The students and residents have appealed to the authorities to identify suitable land in the area and construct a new school building equipped with adequate classrooms and basic facilities.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

Local social and political activist Aashiq Hussain alleged that the issue had remained unresolved for decades despite repeated concerns.

 

“For more than five decades, this school has remained in the same condition. Politicians and authorities have continuously ignored the problems faced by these students,” Hussain said.

 

He urged the administration to identify suitable state land and initiate construction of a proper school building without further delay.

 

“These poor tribal students deserve a safe and dignified place to study. The authorities should identify suitable state land and construct a proper school building for them,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, Chief Education Officer Bandipora Mohd. Rafeeq said that the government was continuously working towards improving educational infrastructure across the district.

 

However, he said the non-availability of suitable land in the area had emerged as a major hurdle in constructing a new school building.

 

“If the local residents identify some suitable land, we will prepare a proposal on an urgent basis to resolve the crisis,” the Chief Education Officer said.

 

The students and residents have urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the District Administration Bandipora to intervene and ensure a permanent solution to the issue.

 

With dozens of children studying in cramped conditions and a cowshed operating beneath the school, residents say the need for a safe and adequate school building can no longer be ignored. (KNS)