Shopian, Oct 03: Residents of Shadab Karewa village in south Kashmir’s Shopian district are calling for students to be moved to a newly constructed, spacious school building.
Tasleem Arif, a local resident, said that a high school has been operating for years on just two kanals of land. However, a few years ago, villagers arranged for approximately 17 kanals of land, and authorities spent a considerable amount in building a new facility.
“The construction of the school was completed three years ago,” Arif said. He added that the school, part of the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) initiative, boasts improved amenities, including multiple laboratories, bathrooms, and playfields. New staff have also been recruited for the school.
Despite these advancements, residents have been petitioning various offices for three years to have students moved from the cramped old building to the new one. While two classes were briefly relocated to the new facility, students were ordered to return to the old building after just three days.
Arif expressed frustration over the lack of space in the old building, where teaching materials and equipment are being stored in the unused new facility. He urged higher authorities to utilise the new building for the benefit of the students.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Shopian, Mohammad Shabir said that a decision regarding the relocation would be made after the lifting of the Model Code of Conduct in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said there is some disagreement among residents about the school’s move. “If the residents reach a consensus, it will help us implement their decision,” he said.
