Balakote block Primary School building in shambles

A Govt school building lying in shambles in Balakote area of Mendhar in Poonch district.
A Govt school building lying in shambles in Balakote area of Mendhar in Poonch district.

Excelsior Correspondent

MENDHAR, Mar 25: A Govt school building is lying in shambles at Suiyan village of Block Balakote in Mendhar Sub Division of district Poonch while authorities have turned a Nelson’s eye towards the plight of the students.
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Established in 1975, about 46 years ago as Govt Primary School at village Suiyan in Balakote, this school was upgraded to Middle standard in 2005. Out of the total 5 rooms, 3 have already been declared as unsafe.
The roll in the school is decreasing gradually as people do not want to send their children in the unsafe school. It is clear from the condition of the school that the future and life of the students studying here is at stake and they are compelled to take education.
According to inputs from Zonal office, there are a total 44 students in this school, who study daily by sitting in the open sky. Looking at the condition of the school, it seems that there is a cattle shed here, not a school. It was known that this is the area which was a victim of Pakistani shelling before the ceasefire. Seeing the dilapidated condition of the school, it can be guessed that authorities are playing with the future of the children. The claims about the education standard of the administration are proving to be hollow on the ground.
Local resident Zulifkar Pathan while talking to the reporter, said that he wants that action should be taken against the contractor who was given the contract for this building at that time and the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) and others at the helm of affairs. He urged upon the Lt Governor on behalf of school children to intervene and provide them relief.
SDM Mendhar, Dr Sahil Jandial when contacted said,” This matter has come to my notice. Dy CEO has been directed to seek factual report in the matter and appropriate action will be taken accordingly”.