Ganderbal, Jan 30: The delayed construction of an eight-room double-storey Government High School building in Shuhama area of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district has left students and teachers struggling with inadequate infrastructure.
The project, which began in 2017, remains unfinished, forcing students to study in cramped and deteriorating conditions. Despite the school being operational, it lacks basic facilities, with two classes crammed into a single room, leading to chaotic learning environments. Muhammad Shafi, a local resident, expressed frustration over the stalled project.
“Due to the shortage of space, students are facing difficulties. The building is in a dilapidated state,” he said, highlighting the inconvenience and poor learning conditions.
He further revealed that the project was initially assigned to a contractor who abandoned it midway. Despite a new contractor being assigned, construction remains incomplete, with broken window panes and unfinished interiors.
“We have raised the issue with officials’ multiple times, but no action has been taken. The building’s interior is in ruins,” Shafi added.
The government must give priority to finishing this school. Our children are struggling, and their education is being affected,” another local resident emphasized.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Ganderbal, Surjeet Kumar, assured that the school building would be completed under the UT Capex budget once the required funds are sanctioned in the next financial year. He mentioned that while windows and doors have been installed and plastering is finished, delays have resulted in broken glass panes. Essential work such as flooring, fixing window panes, and electrification is still pending.
Kumar highlighted that the project was initially estimated to cost Rs 79 lakh, out of which Rs 69 lakh had already been spent by March 2024. An additional Rs 4 lakh has been allocated for the 2024-25 financial year, but the funds have not yet been disbursed. He attributed the extended delay to financial shortages in previous years, pointing out that nine other school buildings in the district are also incomplete due to similar funding issues.
“These projects will also be taken up in the next financial year. We have already taken the issue with the Directorate,” he assured. Concerned parents and local residents have urged authorities to speed up the construction process and ensure the school is handed over as soon as possible for the benefit of students.
