Srinagar, Dec 23 (KNS): Former deputy mayor SMC Sheikh Imran has said that despite earning crores as annual fee top private schools in Srinagar have shown no improvement in terms of infrastructure over the past decades.
Taking to X, he said that enrolling 2,500 to 3,000 students with an annual fee of approximately Rs. 33,000 per student, Burn Hall School, Presentation Convent, and Tyndale Biscoe, among others, individually generate an annual income ranging from 8 to 10 crore rupees.
"Despite this substantial income, there has been no improvement in the infrastructure of these schools over the past decades. This includes areas such as smart classes, laboratory facilities, both outdoor and indoor sports facilities, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, faculty quality, digitalization, exposure initiatives, improvement programs, and teacher training, among other aspects," he said.
he said that missionary schools such as Burn Hall, Presentation Convent, and Tyndale Biscoe are in immediate need of a comprehensive improvement plan guided by strict government directives. "The classroom desks, dating back to the 1970s and having endured the challenges of militancy and floods, are outdated. Additionally, the teachers lack proper qualifications and profiling, warranting verification from the CID department for all faculty members in these missionary schools."
He added that these institutions not only benefit from subsidized land rent and government services but also experience savings in expenditures, supported by the fees paid by the students.
"I earnestly request the government, led by @manojsinha_ ji, Hon'ble @OfficeOfLGJandK, to intervene by conducting thorough audits and scrutiny of these schools. Authorities should instruct schools to provide essential facilities such as heated buses, improved classrooms, smart technology, faculty improvement, and the adoption of digitalization."
Imran said that on the flip side, it's essential to highlight that DPS (Delhi Public School) Athwajan or Budgam campuses charge fees similar to or slightly higher than missionary schools but provide significantly fewer superior facilities. "However, these DPS schools also need to undergo an audit with similar directives from the government."
He also said that the government should conduct a thorough audit of both missionary schools and DPS campuses, assessing their income and expenditure. "Subsequently, a strategic roadmap should be implemented to improve education standards and faculty quality. Without intervention, the diminishing educational standards pose a threat to the future of our children and subsequent generations."
He said moreover these Missionary schools have a student-to-classroom ratio of approximately 50 to 60, a figure I doubt aligns with any education policy. "Additionally, these schools lack modern amenities, relying on old furniture and traditional chalkboards for decades."
He said that the absence of technology, faculty profiling, training, and a strategic plan for improvement is glaring. "There has been a significant decline in infrastructure and standards compared to their own benchmarks set in the past. It's disheartening that these schools, once at the forefront of education, now fall below their own national and state standards."
He added that urgent intervention and attention is required to rectify this situation and secure a better future. (KNS)