Construction of several school buildings stalled for decades in Beerwah

Srinagar, July 22:  Atleast eight school buildings being constructed under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in Beerwah are still incomplete  although  the construction work was started decades back, in 2008. It has been revealed that several issues—primarily disputes with land donors and contractors—have stalled the handover process of these buildings.In Bonhama village, a Government Primary School building was sanctioned, but a disagreement over payment rates with the contractor has prevented its completion and formal handover.Similarly, in Gund Mam Dar village, the government constructed a primary school building in 2008–2009. However, a land donor is demanding a government job in return, which has led to the building not being handed over.In Chanthan village, a primary school and girls’ toilet were under construction during 2010–2011. Yet again, a land donor’s demand for a government job has stalled the handover.In Kadi Mohalla Kulhama, construction of a primary school building was completed during 2009–2010. However, it remains non-operational due to a dispute with the landowner over employment demands.The Mamgund village school building, meant to be a middle school and constructed in 2010–2011, is also complete but remains in limbo due to similar demands from the land donor.In Najan village, construction began in 2010–2011 but remains incomplete as the contractor is seeking revised payment rates.In Larbal village, construction of a primary school building was abandoned by the contractor at the slab level. The roofing work was later completed by R&B (Roads and Buildings) agencies, but the school is still not in use.In Gampora village, the government sanctioned a middle school building in 2012–2013. Disputes with the contractor over rates and poor road access have left the project incomplete and unhanded.An official from the Chief Education Office Budgam told Rising Kashmir that efforts are going on to resolve disputes with both land donors and contractors. “Once these issues are addressed, the pending work will be completed, and the schools will be officially handed over to the School Education Department,” he said.