Students attend classes under open sky in Kulgam amid freezing winter
Srinagar: Students at a Government Primary School in Bebrada, area of Kulgam district in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir are being forced to attend classes under the open sky due to the lack of a proper school building.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the harsh winter conditions are making it even more difficult for the 27 students, who are taught by two teachers, to focus on their studies.
Established in 1984, the school has long struggled with inadequate infrastructure. Initially operating in a rented mud building, the structure was deemed unsafe and dismantled by its owners. For the past two years, classes have been held in the courtyard of a local resident’s house. However, this makeshift arrangement provides no proper classrooms or facilities, such as washrooms, leaving the children with minimal basic amenities.
Concerned about the deteriorating conditions, local residents filed a grievance with the Lt Governor’s office two years ago. In response, the Tehsildar was tasked with identifying land for a new school building. Despite two official visits to address the issue, progress has stalled due to resistance from certain locals. As a result, the grievance was closed without a resolution.
The cold winter months are exacerbating the situation. Students are now forced to endure freezing temperatures while trying to learn, further hindering their education. This situation underscores the urgent need for government intervention to provide basic educational facilities to children in this remote part of Kulgam.
Local residents are now calling on the Education Minister and the Kulgam MLA to take immediate action to address the crisis. They are urging officials to step in and ensure that the students no longer suffer in the cold, stressing the importance of safeguarding the future of these young learners.
