It is not a figment of imagination but a reality to be seen to be believed. Almost on the LoC in Balakot area of Poonch, the High School of village Darati is a structure raised way back in 1961 in the name of a school without fence, without boundary wall, without toilet for boys and girls and even the staff, with quadrupeds grazing by the side of students who sit on the ground lest the crumbling structure takes precious lives. Floor broken, walls cracked, roof leaking, windows and doors in shambles, drinking water totally absent and boys bringing a bucketful from a distance and by rotation, this is the prestigious model school which the Coalition Government claims it will be providing the people of the State especially of border areas. Desks and computer tables gifted by the army are dumped for want of space. More than fifty per cent of staff non-existent and more than half a dozen posts vacant since nobody wants to serve so close to the border, the fate of the students better imagined rather than said.
Three years ago the Government sanctioned 18 lakh rupees for extension of rooms. Four rooms were added and then the contractor disappeared with the money leaving the work halfway. The army extended assistance for raising a kitchen but the Education Department managed to show it as provided by the department and made good with 70,000 rupees.
The Education Department should intervene in the matter and ensure that basic facilities are provided to the students and faculty members working in the school.
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