Bandipora, Aug 25 (KNS): Students at BMS Nowgam Pethkoot are facing serious infrastructure constraints, with around 107 students enrolled across 11 classes being accommodated in just two classrooms, as observed during a visit to the school.

 

The acute shortage of classroom space has forced the school to accommodate multiple classes together. Nursery, LKG, UKG and Class 1 are being taught in one room, while Classes 2 and 3 share another. Classes 4, 5 and 8 are also being conducted together.

 

The shortage has further compelled the school to use spaces not meant for regular classroom teaching. Class 6 is being conducted in the school office, while Class 7 is being taught in the verandah, as observed during the visit.

 

The school has five teachers and one Aaya to manage around 107 students enrolled across 11 classes.

 

With several classes being conducted simultaneously in shared and congested spaces, teachers and students face considerable difficulty in maintaining a proper teaching-learning environment.

 

The situation also raises concerns over students' ability to receive adequate attention and study in a safe, comfortable and conducive environment.

 

The school lacks a proper playground and kitchen, while washroom facilities are also inadequate. Classroom matting was found damaged and cut at several places, while furniture is reportedly insufficient for all students.

 

The absence of these basic facilities has added to the difficulties faced by both students and teachers.

 

Parents and locals have expressed concern over the conditions, saying students deserve proper classrooms, sanitation, furniture and other essential facilities for quality education.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

ZEO Quilmuqam Mohammad Hussain acknowledged the shortage of space at BMS Nowgam Pethkoot and said efforts are being made to arrange land for construction of a new school building.

 

“We are trying to get land for construction of a new school building,” the ZEO said.

 

Regarding the damaged classroom matting, Mohammad Hussain said he had already written to the Chief Education Officer, Bandipora, seeking funds for new matting.

 

He said the CEO had assured the release of funds for purchasing new matting for the school.

 

The situation at BMS Nowgam Pethkoot underscores the infrastructure challenges confronting students in rural government schools.

 

With 107 students, 11 classes and only two classrooms, the school requires urgent intervention to improve its learning environment.

 

Parents and locals have urged the authorities to expedite the process of identifying land and constructing a new school building, while also ensuring adequate furniture, sanitation facilities, a kitchen, playground and other basic amenities.

 

While construction of a new building could provide a long-term solution, locals say immediate measures are also needed to ease the present situation and prevent students from continuing their studies in overcrowded classrooms, offices and verandahs.

 

For the students of BMS Nowgam Pethkoot, the demand is basic: adequate classrooms, essential facilities and a safe and dignified environment in which to learn. (KNS)