MENDHAR,19-08-2023 : Javed Ahmed Rana, President JKNC Pir Panjal Zone and former Legislator, has expressed deep disappointment over the deplorable condition of the Eklavya Model Residential School located in Behra, Mendhar.
Addressing media persons here today, Rana highlighted the stark contrast between the government’s claims of welfare for tribal communities and the actual state of the school.
Pertinent to mention here that LG Sinha during his visit to Poonch, asserted that the government is commitment to the well-being of tribal populations and proudly said the state-of-the-art Eklavya Model Residential School is providing world-class education to tribal children.
Rana lamented the present condition of the Eklavya Model Residential School, stating that it is far from meeting these promises. He informed that the Eklavya Model Residential School was sanctioned in 2017 on a 200 kanals land in Mendhar. He emphasized that he secured Rs 3 crore for the initial construction and later an additional Rs 3 crore was released for the same purpose. Despite these funds, the school is in a dismal state.
Rana highlighted the plight of the students, who are being deprived of their fundamental right to education due to the school’s inadequate facilities. Basic amenities, such as school uniforms, drinking water, and proper infrastructure, are lacking, making it extremely difficult for the students to receive a quality education.
He also strongly condemned the callout attitude of Tribal Department for its utter failure to look after the school. He sought probe over the embezzlement of funds sanctioned by the Tribal Ministry for the welfare of tribal community of Jammu and Kashmir.
He also anguished over the authorities for not declaring the result of class 6 entrance results delaying the matter unnecessarily.
Javed Ahmed Rana appealed to the LG Sinha and the District Administration to visit the Eklavya Model Residential School and witness its conditions firsthand. He emphasized that the government should not boast about providing world-class education while the students are struggling in such substandard conditions.
The former Legislator asked the government not to force the people of Mendhar to come on roads to demand their basic rights and amenities, including a proper learning environment for their children.